Discoveries that saved billions of lives

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Some discoveries played a big part in increasing life expectancy to 70 years in the 21st century, from 30-40 years seen throughout most of civilization. Image: Shutterstock

Let’s take a look at top 10 innovations made possible by new technologies and scientific practices that saved billions of lives. Image: Shutterstock

10. Antimalarial drugs

Lives saved: 50 million+ Year invented: 1935 Image: Shutterstock

9. Anesthesia

Lives saved: 50 million+ Year invented: 1850 Image: Shutterstock

8. Bifurcated needle

Lives saved: 130 million+ Year invented: 1965 Image: Wikipedia

7. Water chlorination

Lives saved: 175 million+ Year invented: 1919 Image: Shutterstock

6. Antibiotics

Lives saved: 200 million+ Year invented: 1928 Image: Shutterstock

5. Pasteurisation

Lives saved: 250 million+ Year invented: 1890 Image: Shutterstock

4. Synthetic fertilisers

Lives saved: 1 billion+ Year invented: 1909 Image: Shutterstock

3. Green Revolution

Lives saved: 1 billion+ Year invented: 1945 Image: Shutterstock

2. Vaccines

Lives saved: 1 billion+ Year invented: 1955 Image: Shutterstock

1. Blood transfusions

Lives saved: 1 billion+ Year invented: 1913 Image: Shutterstock

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