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In 1982, a failed engineering experiment by an African American turned into the world's most famous water gun that changed summers forever

Super Soaker water gun invention: An engineer's bathroom experiment unexpectedly sparked the invention of the Super Soaker water toy. Lonnie Johnson developed a powerful water gun prototype using common household materials. The "Power Drencher" quickly gained popularity and was later renamed the Super Soaker.

The Economic Times · Jul 30

In 1913, Los Angeles began diverting Owens River water, helping dry Owens Lake into a dust-blowing salt flat; controls now cut dust by up to 99% in treated areas

The Los Angeles Aqueduct, an engineering marvel, opened in 1913 to supply water. This project supported Los Angeles's rapid growth while devastating Owens Valley's water resources. Residents protested as their rivers and Owens Lake dried up due to diversions. Los Angeles eventually acquired most of the valley's water rights and…

The Times of India · Jul 28

The Geneva Conventions explained in 60 seconds: ideas that changed the world

In this series, The Week looks at the ideas and innovations that permanently changed the way we see the world.

The Week · Aug 4, 2023