🧠 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)
The Sounds of
The biggest hits of the year — Top 10 Pop & Country chart toppers
HEADLINES ON August 25, 1986
Full News Archive
- Headline: U.S. Open: A Tennis Tradition. Impact: When decoturf was introduced at the U.S. Open, little did they know it would lead to the rise of backyard tennis courts everywhere. Fast forward to 2023, and you have hipsters in Brooklyn hosting 'Decoturf Festivals' where they serve artisanal avocado toast and organic smoothies — all while wearing tennis whites that cost more than my rent.. Fact: Did you know that decoturf is actually a type of acrylic polymer? So, if you ever thought your tennis game could use a little more... chemistry, you might want to check your racquet for any missing polymers..
- Headline: Dining Challenges for NYPD Officers. Impact: The lunch habits of New York's police officers influenced the city's food landscape. As they hurriedly munched on street food, food trucks evolved into gourmet dining experiences. In a twist, the modern food truck scene now attracts more tourists than the Statue of Liberty, leading to debates about the true heart of New York.. Fact: It's ironic that the word 'cop' originates from 'constable on patrol,' considering how many times they've had to run off mid-bite. One might think they should just invest in a good set of Tupperware instead!.
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