5 Underrated Inventions Of The 2010s — So Far

From a condom that changes color to a “ambucycle” (an elegant mix of a motorcycle and an ambulance) — 2015 is shaping up to be an interesting year for entrepreneurs.

Thus far, most inventions we’ve seen in the media, have been the result of successful Kickstarter and GoFundMe campaigns, in addition to sensational appearances at annual invention shows, like the one held every year by Pittsburgh firm InventHelp.

Perhaps, though, you’ve seen viral videos of science fiction style products that has the whole world all ears about them. On the other hand, there are also those other inventions where we just want to yank the plug on all the buzz.

However, over the past couple of years, we’ve seen nothing short of fancy buzzworthy inventions that has us wanting to throw all our money at these inventors. Below, I’ve compiled a list of five innovative, yet underrated, inventions of the 2010s — so far.

5. Biomeme: The World’s First DNA Testing App

Scientists might want to start hanging up their lab coats as modern technology is finally taking over the health industry.

It sounds like an epic troll, but you can really test DNA samples using an iPhone app, not kidding.

Biomeme, a group of tech experts led by Marc DeJohn, is changing the way DNA samples are tested — eliminating all the leg-work for scientists or anyone, basically.

According to DeJohn, the app works by using a cartridge system and a thermocycler. And, in only an hour, the DNA testing app has all the results ready for analyzing.

4. The Lifesaving ‘Ambucycle’ Bike

Just when you thought everything was already thought of — BAM — someone comes up with an idea to fuse a bike and an ambulance.

Jonathan Sockol, CEO of LifeCycle, is the mastermind behind this charming idea. Made to help save lives during episodes of immediate medical care — like cardiac arrests — Jonathan says the ambucycle can be summoned by only using a swipe from an app.

Additionally, Jonathan believes that offering cyclists a working relationship with hospitals, can save ambulances from jumping in a pool of cold water with constant false alarms.

So, is this really an original concept?

Nope. Jonathan “kind of” snatched the idea from another inventor who is using a similar service in Israel. However, Jonathan wants to bring this idea to Pittsburgh, and these bikes can definitely work in the U.S. or Europe for immediate medical care, while the casual ambulance is on its way.

3. Roar, The Anti-Rape Clip-on Device

Behold, the new anti-assault device for women.

Designed by a sexual assault victim, this tiny device works by flashing a light and sending notifications to all your close ones and 911 — when trouble finds you. One light flash will leave your assaulter walking around like Bambi on ice looking for the exit.

Yasmine Mustafa, creator of Roar, felt plagued by distress after hearing ceaseless stories of sexual assault victims whom she met. So, instead of just feeling bad, she did something about it.

Mustafa spoke with PhillyVoice and gave the following statement.

“We intentionally designed our safety devices for women so they aren’t intimidated by them, and we made them into jewelry first so they want to wear them and have it readily on hand.”

Ironically, she named the device after Katy Perry’s Grammy-nominated song of the same name. The device is doing well and has grabbed some online support from endless amount of women who were once victimized, as TrendHunter and others have reported.

2. Don’t Be Silly, Color Your Willy!

Detecting STDs just got a whole lot easier.

This award-winning concept, created by three clever British teenagers — yes, teens — has received mainstream media coverage — including the Inquisitr. From BuzzFeed to RT, the story of three teens coming up with color-changing condoms that can detect STDs, has gone somewhat viral.

Daanyaal Ali, 14, Chirag Shah, 14, and Muaz Nawaz, 13, of Isaac Newton Academy in London, used enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, or ELISA, to make condoms change color. This method has been used for HIV, Herpes and STI testing, where the enzymes change color and a third chemical is added to the mix.

The Washington Post gave a great explanation on how it works.

“There would be antibodies on the condom that would interact with the antigens of STDs, causing the condom to change colors depending on the disease…For instance, if the condom were exposed to chlamydia, it might glow green — or yellow for herpes, purple for human papilloma virus and blue for syphilis.”

1. Meet, ‘The Woofer’

What can be better than condoms changing color? Easy, meet The Woofer.

Matthew Baron, a mad scientist with great innovation, came up with the best idea for a portable speaker that goes anywhere you go. Gone are the days where dogs only lived to eat and poop. This snug-fitting doggy coat has a built-in-speaker that can play music from your smartphone.

You can check out the doggy coat in action below:

Moreover, Matthew is leaving no stone unturned and has devices for horses, cats, and even rabbits in the works.

[Photo Courtesy: Ethan Miller/Getty Images]