Inventions & Breakthroughs of April 1986
Gadgets, lab surprises, odd bets, and future-shocks from this slice of the calendar.
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)
The Sounds of
Popular recordings and roots/country selections associated with the year
HEADLINES ON April 24, 1986
Full News Archive
- Headline: Sony's 8 Millimeter Camcorder Revolution. Impact: Had Sony not pushed the 8mm camcorder, we might never have reached the era of awkward family videos where your Uncle Bob's face takes up the entire frame while he tries to capture a sunset. Truly a tragedy of epic proportions.. Fact: Did you know that the 8mm format was so popular that it paved the way for future generations to embarrass themselves on home videos? Thanks, Sony!.
- Headline: The Rising Challenge of French Soccer. Impact: This very moment of bookmakers' predictions sparked a worldwide obsession with gambling on sports, leading to the creation of countless fantasy leagues. If only they knew Brazil would disappoint everyone in the years to come!. Fact: Did you know that betting odds are basically just fancy math for 'What are the chances of watching your dreams shatter in real-time?'.
- Headline: HEAD OF HOSPITAL UNION TRAILING IN SPECIAL VOTE. Impact: The downfall of Doris Turner might have sent shockwaves through the hospital union, leading to a complete overhaul of union leadership and the eventual introduction of 'Union Boss Reality TV'—because nothing screams democracy like a good scandal!. Fact: Did you know that elections in unions can be as dramatic as reality shows, minus the rose ceremonies and with slightly more paperwork?.
Wall Street Time Machine
The Right Call: If you'd invested $1,000 in any one of these companies in 1986, here's what the stored 2025 dataset estimates.
Rank #1
MCD
McDonald's
Price in 1986
$2.07
2025 dataset value
$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
2025 dataset value
$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
2025 dataset value
$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