🧠 Inventions of 1986
Breakthroughs and everyday innovations from the year.
1 
Supercomputer (Cray-2)
2 
Artificial Intelligence Neural Networks Revival
3 
Portable GPS Receiver
4 
CD Burner Prototype
5 
Medical MRI Contrast Agents
6 
Automated Airline Reservation Systems
7 
Digital Telephone Switching Expansion
8 
Personal Laser Printer
9 
Electric Vehicle Research Program
10 
Space Telescope Deployment (Hubble Concept)
HEADLINES ON February 13, 1986
Full News Archive
- Headline: Restoring Country Chair Legs Workshop. Impact: As more people began repairing old chairs instead of buying new ones, the local economy saw a surprising boom in wood glue sales. Eventually, this obsession with DIY furniture repair led to a nationwide shortage of screws—because who needs stability when you have nostalgia?. Fact: Fun fact: The average chair has a lifespan longer than most sitcoms. So, if your chair is wobbling, it's probably just trying to keep up with the times..
- Headline: Brink's Case Fugitive Captured in L.A.. Impact: The capture of this fugitive sent shockwaves through the criminal underworld, prompting a wave of 'better luck next time' memes among aspiring criminals. This event also led to a significant rise in the popularity of 'Brink's Case' themed escape rooms across the country.. Fact: Did you know that the Brink's heist in 1981 was so notorious it inspired countless movies, including a few where the criminals actually get away? Spoiler alert: They never do in real life!.
- Headline: HERS. Impact: The rise of psychics and card readers in corporate circles marked the beginning of 'corporate mysticism', where instead of data analysis, companies began hiring psychics to predict market trends. This eventually led to the invention of the 'crystal ball' stock index.. Fact: Fun fact: Many CEOs in the 1980s believed that consulting a psychic was more reliable than consulting their own financial advisors. Spoiler: They weren't wrong..
Wall Street Time Machine
The Right Call: If you'd invested $1,000 in any one of these companies in 1986, here's what it would be worth in 2025.
Rank #1
MCD
McDonald's
Price in 1986
$2.07
Value in 2025
$154,145
McDonald's - If you invested $1,000 in 1986, it would be worth $154,145 today (154.1x return)
Rank #2
AAPL
Apple
Price in 1986
$0.08
Value in 2025
$3,574,639
Apple - If you invested $1,000 in 1986, it would be worth $3,574,639 today (3574.6x return)
Rank #3
MSFT
Microsoft
Price in 1986
$0.06
Value in 2025
$8,149,367
Microsoft - If you invested $1,000 in 1986, it would be worth $8,149,367 today (8149.4x return)
🦸 Top 5 Comics
Batman: The Dark Knight Returns #1
$50
Watchmen #1
$300
Swamp Thing #46
$75
Maus #1
$100
Crisis on Infinite Earths #12
$15
🧸 Top 5 Toys
Laser Tag
$75.00
Teddy Ruxpin
$300.00
Jenga
$300.00
My Little Pony (Generation 1)
$300.00
G.I. Joe (A Real American Hero line)
$1350.00
🎮 Top 5 Video Games
The Legend of Zelda
$350.00
Metroid
$500.00
Castlevania
$90,000
Dragon Quest
$200.00
Out Run
$200.00
⚾ Top 5 Trading Cards
Michael Jordan Rookie Card
$250,000
Fleer Michael Jordan Sticker
$16,900
1986-87 Fleer Basketball Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
$6,500
1986 Garbage Pail Kids (3rd Series)
$3,000
Topps 1986 Traded Barry Bonds XRC
$745