Inventions & Breakthroughs of September 1988
Gadgets, lab surprises, odd bets, and future-shocks from this slice of the calendar.
1 
Internet Worm
2 
Portable Laptop Computer
3 
Digital Video Compression Concept
4 
Global Positioning System Civilian Access
5 
Medical Imaging PACS Systems
6 
Touchscreen Interface Prototype
7 
Digital Signal Processor Expansion
8 
Automated Speech Recognition Systems
9 
Electronic Mail Client Software
10 
Reusable Launch Vehicle Studies
The Sounds of
Popular recordings and roots/country selections associated with the year
HEADLINES ON September 22, 1988
Full News Archive
- Headline: Maintaining Furniture Hinges Effectively. Impact: Little did anyone know that the neglect of a hinge would lead to a global epidemic of squeaky doors, ultimately causing the invention of noise-canceling headphones in the 21st century.. Fact: Did you know that the best way to avoid a noisy hinge is to actually maintain it? Shocking, I know!.
- Headline: Reviving the Historic Rose Garden. Impact: The grand replanting of these roses sparked a worldwide obsession with gardening, leading to the rise of Instagram influencers who only post pictures of their plants, creating a new Era of Green Foliage Fame.. Fact: Fun fact: 2,700 roses can’t actually solve your problems, but they sure can make your Instagram feed look a lot prettier!.
- Headline: Innovative Cork Remover Revolutionizes Wine Opening. Impact: The introduction of this cork remover resulted in a sudden spike in wine consumption, leading to an unprecedented increase in grape stomping competitions worldwide.. Fact: Did you know that you don't actually need a fancy cork remover to open a bottle of wine? A shoe will do, but good luck with the cleanup!.
- Headline: CURRENTS; Where Architects Speak Of What They Build. Impact: This idea of architects not talking led to a silent revolution in the construction industry, where buildings started speaking for themselves—quite literally, in the form of talking buildings in future sci-fi movies.. Fact: Architects are known for their great designs. However, if you ask them about their work, get ready for an hour-long lecture about the merits of concrete over wood..
- Headline: CURRENTS; Remodernization Restores an Old Building's Harmony. Impact: The trend of 'remodernization' led to a nationwide identity crisis for buildings, resulting in a generation of structures struggling to choose between their historic charm and modern convenience.. Fact: Old buildings often feel like they have a personality crisis. One moment they’re vintage, the next they’re trying to fit in with the hipster coffee shops..
Wall Street Time Machine
The Right Call: If you'd invested $1,000 in any one of these companies in 1988, here's what the stored 2025 dataset estimates.
Rank #1
AAPL
Apple
Price in 1988
$0.31
2025 dataset value
$884,238
Apple - If you invested $1,000 in 1988, it would be worth $884,238 today (884.2x return)
Rank #2
MSFT
Microsoft
Price in 1988
$0.24
2025 dataset value
$2,037,337
Microsoft - If you invested $1,000 in 1988, it would be worth $2,037,337 today (2037.3x return)
🦸 Top 5 Comics
The Killing Joke
$75
Sandman #1
$500
Batman: A Death in the Family
$150
The Spectre #1
$42,000
Wolverine #1
$1,500
🧸 Top 5 Toys
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Action Figures
$200.00
Super Powers Collection
$150.00
Ghostbusters Proton Pack
$300.00
Polly Pocket
$250.00
Micro Machines
$300.00
🎮 Top 5 Video Games
Super Mario Bros. 3
$120.00
Mega Man 2
$200.00
Dragon Quest III
$200.00
Super Contra
$150.00
Altered Beast
$269.99
⚾ Top 5 Trading Cards
Michael Jordan 1988 Fleer Basketball #17
$250,000
Wayne Gretzky 1988 O-Pee-Chee Hockey #1
$2,040.00
Kenner Starting Lineup Steve Young 1988 Figure Card
$600
Super Mario Bros. 1988 Topps Nintendo Game Pack #1A
$500
Bo Jackson 1988 Topps Baseball #750
$129