Inventions & Breakthroughs of October 1985
Gadgets, lab surprises, odd bets, and future-shocks from this slice of the calendar.
1 
Windows Operating System
2 
CD-ROM Drive
3 
Genetic Engineering Tool (PCR)
4 
Mobile Laptop Computer
5 
Digital Cellular Network
6 
Automated Manufacturing Cells
7 
Home Video Camcorder
8 
Medical Laser Lithotripsy
9 
Computer Animation Software
10 
Electronic Music Sampling Keyboard
The Sounds of
Popular recordings and roots/country selections associated with the year
HEADLINES ON October 31, 1985
Full News Archive
- Headline: Insightful Moments of Childhood. Impact: Isabelle's brutally honest assessment of the world not only made her parents rethink their social circles but also sparked a nationwide trend of children becoming unofficial life coaches. By 2030, toddlers were charging $100 an hour for their sage advice.. Fact: Did you know that kids are often better at spotting nonsense than adults? Probably because they haven't perfected the art of ignoring it yet..
- Headline: Reviving Twig Furniture Craftsmanship. Impact: The twig furniture trend inadvertently led to an increase in squirrel populations, as people began to feel guilty for cutting down trees for traditional furniture. By 2025, squirrels were demanding their own reality TV shows.. Fact: Fun fact: The Arts and Crafts Movement was so dedicated to nature that they probably would have advocated for furniture made from recycled pizza boxes if it meant saving a tree..
- Headline: Restoration of a 19th-Century Chelsea Gem. Impact: The meticulous restoration of this Chelsea townhouse led to an unexpected real estate boom, with people suddenly realizing that owning a piece of history was more valuable than owning a piece of IKEA. By 2025, the term 'historical chic' became a major selling point.. Fact: It's fascinating how restoring old houses can lead to a gentrification explosion. Just remember, every beautifully restored home comes with a side of hipster coffee shops and artisanal pickle vendors..
Wall Street Time Machine
The Right Call: If you'd invested $1,000 in any one of these companies in 1985, here's what the stored 2025 dataset estimates.
Rank #1
JNJ
Johnson & Johnson
Price in 1985
$0.84
2025 dataset value
$246,803
Johnson & Johnson - If you invested $1,000 in 1985, it would be worth $246,803 today (246.8x return)
Rank #2
MCD
McDonald's
Price in 1985
$1.32
2025 dataset value
$242,284
McDonald's - If you invested $1,000 in 1985, it would be worth $242,284 today (242.3x return)
Rank #3
AAPL
Apple
Price in 1985
$0.10
2025 dataset value
$2,853,286
Apple - If you invested $1,000 in 1985, it would be worth $2,853,286 today (2853.3x return)
🦸 Top 5 Comics
Crisis on Infinite Earths #1
$50
The Dark Knight Returns #1
$50
Secret Wars #8
$150
Albedo Anthropomorphics #2
$300
Love and Rockets #1
$250
🧸 Top 5 Toys
Teddy Ruxpin
$300.00
Care Bears Plush
$250.00
M.A.S.K. (Mobile Armored Strike Kommand)
$250.00
My Buddy Doll
$700.00
Super Powers Collection
$300.00
🎮 Top 5 Video Games
Super Mario Bros.
$1,000.00
Duck Hunt
$275.00
Excitebike
$50.00
Choplifter
$80.00
Gauntlet
$50.00
⚾ Top 5 Trading Cards
1985 Nike Promo Michael Jordan Rookie Card
$18,000
1985 Topps Mark McGwire USA Baseball Rookie Card #401
$2,000
1985 Garbage Pail Kids Adam Bomb #8a
$189.95
1985 Donruss Shawon Dunston Rated Rookie #43
$150
1985 Star Michael Jordan Rookie Card #101
$480,000