Inventions & Breakthroughs of December 1987
Gadgets, lab surprises, odd bets, and future-shocks from this slice of the calendar.
1 
Digital Camera Sensor Improvements
2 
Portable Cellular Phone
3 
Computer-Aided Surgery Systems
4 
Compact Flash Memory Concept
5 
Desktop Publishing Software (PageMaker)
6 
Medical Ultrasound Doppler Imaging
7 
Network File Sharing Protocols
8 
Automated Warehouse Robotics
9 
Digital Music Compact Disc Production
10 
Space Station Module Concepts
The Sounds of
Popular recordings and roots/country selections associated with the year
HEADLINES ON December 15, 1987
Full News Archive
- Headline: Exploring 'Broadcast News' and Its Impact. Impact: The success of 'Broadcast News' not only solidified the importance of media in shaping public opinion but also inadvertently led to the rise of reality TV, proving that sometimes, truth is stranger (and more entertaining) than fiction. Who knew a trio of actors could cause a reality show apocalypse?. Fact: Did you know that 'Broadcast News' was so realistic that actual news anchors started to worry their jobs might be at risk? Spoiler: they were right, but no one saw it coming from a comedy!.
- Headline: Goldie Hawn's Iconic Comedy 'Overboard'. Impact: 'Overboard' set a dangerous precedent for romantic comedies where amnesia is just a quirky plot device, leading to countless future films where people fall in love with strangers because they forgot who they were. Thanks, Goldie Hawn, for inspiring a generation of lazy writers!. Fact: Did you know that 'Overboard' was so charming that it made viewers forget about the ethics of amnesia? Because nothing says true love like waking up and discovering your whole life is a lie!.
- Headline: Weapons Discovered in Brooklyn Courtroom. Impact: The courtroom chaos from this incident led to the invention of new courtroom security measures, which were so effective that they eventually prompted a reality TV series where lawyers face off against their most dangerous foes: the courtroom snack bar.. Fact: Did you know that this case inspired a new legal term: 'Scissor Defense'? It's not a thing, but it should be, considering how often scissors seem to be involved in violent disputes!.
Wall Street Time Machine
The Right Call: If you'd invested $1,000 in any one of these companies in 1987, here's what the stored 2025 dataset estimates.
Rank #1
AAPL
Apple
Price in 1987
$0.14
2025 dataset value
$1,945,817
Apple - If you invested $1,000 in 1987, it would be worth $1,945,817 today (1945.8x return)
Rank #2
MSFT
Microsoft
Price in 1987
$0.10
2025 dataset value
$4,778,667
Microsoft - If you invested $1,000 in 1987, it would be worth $4,778,667 today (4778.7x return)
Rank #3
INTC
Intel
Price in 1987
$0.25
2025 dataset value
$146,978
Intel - If you invested $1,000 in 1987, it would be worth $146,978 today (147.0x return)
🦸 Top 5 Comics
Batman: The Dark Knight Returns #4
$150
Watchmen #12
$150
Daredevil #227
$500
X-Men #221
$125
Justice League #1
$1,500
🧸 Top 5 Toys
Teddy Ruxpin
$300.00
Koosh Ball
$75.00
Nerf Football
$900.00
Jenga
$300.00
Pound Puppies
$75.00
🎮 Top 5 Video Games
The Legend of Zelda
$500.00
Final Fantasy
$150.00
Metal Gear
$299.99
Street Fighter
$185.00
Contra
$200.00
⚾ Top 5 Trading Cards
1987 Fleer Michael Jordan #59
$18,100.00
1987 Topps Barry Bonds #320
$1,200
1987 Donruss Greg Maddux Rated Rookie #36
$300
1987 Topps Tiffany Bo Jackson #170
$170
1987 Panini Soccer Diego Maradona #82
$250,000