While we earlier looked at the worst inventions that can be a threat to health and life, there were also some great ideas this year.

When looking at the science sector, we see some great things coming out of people’s garages and workshops. „Popular Science“ magazine’s yearly Invention Award honors inventions which treat the sick, save the world or simply are fun to play with. Every year 10 truly dedicated inventors receive this special award to show the brilliance and the inspiration behind it.

Among these true geniuses is Mark Stark, who developed the Stark Hand. The concept of an artificial hand might not be entirely new, but this one is better and stronger in quality and still cheaper that everything else on the market. Mark Stark developed this hand to help his friend Dave Vogt, who was born without a left hand. In 2004, Stark constructed it from hardware-store supplies and gave it to Vogt to try out. Within an hour, Vogt caught a ball with his left hand for the first time in his life. Since then, they have been working together to improve it and to construct four more prototypes.

Another improvement had to be made when Dave swung around on the dancefloor. He hit the hand against a wall and a prosthetic knuckle broke, which led Stark to strengthen the joints. Mark Stark invested 7 years and $18,000 to develop the Stark Hand and is in negotiations for a licensing agreement with a major prosthetics manufacturer.

We are keeping our fingers crossed, prosthetic or otherwise.