In The Community
Color TV
Photo by Erik Mclean on UnsplashLet’s start with something we all love—television! Did you know that the first color television was co-invented by a Mexican engineer? Guillermo González Camarena developed an early color wheel system in the 1940s that made it possible for us to enjoy vibrant images on TV. Without him, your favorite shows might still be in black and white.
Ballpoint Pens
Photo by PJ Gal-Szabo on UnsplashIf you’ve ever scribbled a quick note with a ballpoint pen, you’ve got a Latino inventor to thank. Ladislao José Biro, an Argentine-Hungarian, developed the first modern ballpoint pen in the 1930s. His pen was much smoother and more efficient than older fountain pens, which would often leak or smudge. Biro’s invention revolutionized how we write, and his last name is still used in many countries to refer to ballpoint pens.
Fast Dengue Fever Test
Photo by Nathan Cima on UnsplashDengue fever is a big problem in tropical regions, and to make matters worse, its symptoms often look a lot like other illnesses, such as Zika. This makes getting an accurate diagnosis super important. That’s where Brazilian inventor Maria Angélica de Camargo comes in. She saw a real need for a faster, cheaper way to detect Dengue, and set out to create it. Enter the Fast Dengue Fever Test—a low-cost, rapid test that helps doctors quickly tell the difference between Dengue and similar viruses like Zika. It’s a total game-changer for public health, especially in places where healthcare access is limited. Not only does Camargo’s innovation save money, but it’s saving lives by providing early detection in regions where every minute counts.
Neurochip Technology
Photo by Growtika on UnsplashNeurochip technology, which helps scientists better understand the brain and potentially cure neurological diseases, was pioneered by Mexican neuroscientist Jacobo Grinberg. His research into neuroplasticity and the electrical properties of brain cells paved the way for brain-computer interface technologies that could revolutionize how we treat conditions like Alzheimer’s and epilepsy.
STD Test LIZA
Photo by CDC on UnsplashGetting tested for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) is important, but let’s be honest—it’s often expensive, uncomfortable, and invasive. Mexican engineer Ishtar Rizzo, however, wanted to change that. Along with her co-creators, she developed LIZA, a test designed to make STD detection easier, quicker, and less intrusive. LIZA works with a simple urine sample, eliminating the need for more invasive procedures, and it's far more affordable than traditional STD tests. For many Latinas, this means taking control of their sexual health without the added stress of high medical costs or embarrassment. LIZA has made an enormous impact by making sexual health more accessible, affordable, and stigma-free, empowering women to prioritize their health and well-being.
The Artificial Heart
Photo by jesse orrico on UnsplashCardiac surgery took a giant leap forward thanks to Argentine inventor Dr. Domingo Liotta. In 1969, he created the first fully functioning artificial heart, which was successfully implanted in a human patient. This groundbreaking invention paved the way for modern heart surgeries and life-saving heart transplants. Today, Liotta’s contributions continue to save countless lives worldwide.
Long-Life Nickel-Hydrogen Batteries
Photo by John Cameron on UnsplashIf you’ve ever looked up at the night sky and marveled at the stars, you might not realize that Latina ingenuity is helping power the technology that explores those distant galaxies. Puerto Rican engineer Olga D. González-Sanabria played a massive role in developing long-life nickel-hydrogen batteries—an essential technology for satellites and space research. These tough batteries can handle the extreme conditions of space, powering satellites as they orbit Earth, collecting critical data for research and communications. Every time a satellite sends back data from the outer reaches of space, it’s thanks in part to her groundbreaking contributions.
The X-Ray Microscope
Image from en.m.wikipedia.org
Cuban-born physicist Albert Baez (yep, he’s the father of folk singer Joan Baez!) co-invented the first X-ray microscope. His invention allows scientists to view living cells without killing them—critical in fields like biology and medicine. Thanks to Baez’s work, researchers can get an up-close look at the building blocks of life without disrupting them.
Breast Pump System Using a Wall Vacuum Source
Photo by Aditya Romansa on UnsplashBreastfeeding may be natural, but it’s not always a walk in the park—especially for new moms with premature babies or other health challenges. That’s where Elena T. Medo, an American engineer with Latina roots, comes in. She developed a game-changing breast pump system that uses a wall vacuum source, making it easier for moms to express milk in hospitals. This device is a lifesaver for mothers in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs), where premature babies often rely on alternative ways to receive breast milk. Medo’s invention ensures that even in tough situations, moms can still provide the best nutrition for their little ones, supporting both the babies’ health and the well-being of the mothers. Her work has transformed hospitals around the world, making it much easier for mothers to care for their newborns in critical moments.
Latinos have made huge contributions to the world, and these 9 inventions are just the tip of the iceberg. From groundbreaking medical advancements to making everyday life just a little more enjoyable, Latino inventors have been shaping the world in countless ways. Latino culture isn’t just part of the U.S. melting pot; it’s helping shape the future. Whether in science, technology, or even our day-to-day comforts, Latino inventors continue to change the world—one brilliant idea at a time.
- Latinas in Tech: Empowering Change and Making Waves in the Industry ›
- 5 Inventions You Probably Didn't Know Were Created by Latinas ›
What Is the Modern Book Ban?
Book banning is the act of removing books from reading lists, libraries, or bookstores based on content disagreements. Often done under the pretense of safeguarding children, most of these challenges come from parents and library patrons. However, elected officials, school boards, and even librarians can also be champions of imposed ignorance. After all, they know knowledge is power.
In March 2024, the American Library Association (ALA) reported that “the number of titles targeted for censorship at public libraries increased by 92% [in 2023] over the previous year.” This is alarming for multiple reasons:
- Censorship: Book banning is fundamentally a form of censorship. Although the First Amendment protects against government censorship, private individuals or organizations face limited restraint. This makes book banning a primary example of legal censorship in the U.S.
- Democracy at Risk: At the core of democracy is the free exchange of ideas. By constraining this, we challenge the principles on which the U.S. was built. Censorship often paves the way to tyranny, allowing a small group to dominate the narrative.
- Stagnation: Book bans impede societal progression by avoiding challenges to prevailing beliefs. To quote English writer George Orwell from his eerily prescient dystopian novel “1984”: “The best books are those that tell you what you know already.” Do we aspire to a society that shuns diverse thought? Book bans lead fully in that direction.
- Marginalization: Such bans further alienate underrepresented communities. With Latinos already underrepresented in literature, these bans exacerbate the problem.
Latino Representation: The Understated Crisis
Images shared by projectpulso on Instagram
Images shared by projectpulso on Instagram
Even beyond Latino literature, there's a broader attack against critical theory. This crusade aims to stifle discussions on racism, sexism, and systemic inequality. In a single school year, 1,477 books faced bans, according to PEN America. A startling number of these pertained to LGBTQ themes, protagonists of color, race, and racism.
A Spotlight on Banned Latina Authors
Amidst the unsettling rise in book bans across the U.S., Latina authors have found themselves at the epicenter of this censorship storm. These authors not only highlight the complexities of Latino heritage but also bridge gaps in understanding, creating stories that resonate across boundaries. Many invaluable works by Latina authors have been banned, including:
- “The House of the Spirits” by Isabel Allende: Spanning generations, this saga chronicles the lives of the Trueba family in Chile, accentuating the mystical powers of its female characters. Challenges against it cite reasons like its "pornographic" nature and alleged attacks on Catholicism.
- “The House on Mango Street” by Sandra Cisneros: Through vignettes, this novel paints the life of Esperanza Cordero, a young Chicana in Chicago. Bans have been enforced based on claims that it instigates skepticism against "American values."
- “Out of Darkness” by Ashley Hope Pérez: Set against the backdrop of 1930s Texas, this novel delves into the love between a Mexican American girl and a Black teen. Challenged for its graphic nature, it's deemed "sexually explicit" and has earned a place on the Top 10 Most Banned Books list.
- “The Poet X” by Elizabeth Acevedo: The narrative revolves around 15-year-old Xiomara, who channels familial tension into her poetry. Accusations against it range from being "anti-Christian" to violating religious safeguards.
- “How the Garcia Girls Lost Their Accents” by Julia Alvarez: This novel charts the journey of the Garcia sisters, uprooted from their Dominican heritage, as they grapple with a starkly contrasting life in New York, touching on themes of identity, family, and culture.
- “Like Water for Chocolate” by Laura Esquivel: This enchanting novel narrates the intriguing history of the De La Garza family in Mexico, where love, tradition, and magic blend seamlessly. It delves deep into themes of forbidden love, family obligations, and the transformative power of food.
- “Bless Me, Ultima” by Rudolf Anaya: Set in New Mexico; this narrative introduces us to Antonio Marez and Ultima, a healer. As Antonio steps into manhood, Ultima becomes his guiding light, illuminating his path through childhood bigotry, familial crises, and the mysteries of spirituality.
The increasing trend of book banning, especially of Latino literature, is a pressing concern. Not only does it threaten our democratic principles and societal growth, but it also amplifies the marginalization of already underrepresented communities. Our society's richness lies in its diversity, and by stifling these voices, we risk losing an integral part of our narrative. It's time to reassess and recognize the value of all stories, regardless of their origin.
