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 25, 1986
Full News Archive
- Headline: Mr. Love: A Gardener's Romantic Journey. Impact: When Mr. Love roamed the gardens of Britain, little did he know that his quest for romance would inspire countless rom-coms and a whole generation of gardeners to believe they could win hearts with a trowel and a smile. Thanks, Mr. Love, for making horticulture sexy!. Fact: Did you know that gardening is considered a therapeutic activity? So if Mr. Love fails to find romance, at least he can enjoy some fresh tomatoes!.
- Headline: Film Screening: 'Echo Park' Featuring Tom Hulce. Impact: The release of 'Echo Park' somehow set off a chain reaction that led to an entire genre of films about quirky roommates and their misguided dreams, culminating in countless awkward dinner parties. Truly, Hollywood couldn't resist the allure of 'offbeat' until it was anything but.. Fact: Fun fact: Tom Hulce's character in 'Echo Park' was so forgettable that even the popcorn at the premiere had a better character arc!.
- Headline: MAJOR CHANGES PROMISED FOR HOSPITAL UNION. Impact: Georgiana Johnson's ambitious plans for the hospital union could have reshaped labor movements forever, but instead, they mostly resulted in a lot of meetings that could have been emails. Who knew healthcare reform could be so riveting?. Fact: In the world of hospital unions, 'major changes' often means switching from decaf to regular coffee in the breakroom. The revolution will not be caffeinated!.
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