We may hear about researchers studying some hyper-specific aspect of magnetism, and not realize the importance or real-life applications of that research. However, studying magnetism and transferring that knowledge into a real-life application has created some amazing things. For instance, what if Raymond Damadian never invented the magnetic resonance imaging machine, also known as MRI? Now, most innovative magnetic creations don’t necessarily start with their creator thinking of magnets. Often, it starts out with a problem and sometimes, after exploring several solutions, creative thinkers discover that magnets may be a viable solution. In this article, we are taking a look at the past year and highlighting the most creative uses of magnets that we’ve stumbled upon.

Magneto Boots

If you are a comic book or X-men fan and haven’t heard of YouTuber Colin Furze, then you miss out this past year. In 2014, Furze released a video on how to make boots that possess similar powers of magnetism as the infamous character, Magneto. He then proved that they could work by putting them on and walking on the ceiling. This definitely isn’t something anyone should try at home, but his use of magnets was undoubtedly creative.

Hoverboard

In Back to the Future Part II, Marty McFly rides a hoverboard in what year? 2015. Well earlier in 2014, a company released a real, operable hoverboard. Hendo Hoverboards may not be exactly like McFly’s, but they are the closest thing yet. The technology incorporates magnetic fields to hover above the ground.

Shark-friendly beach barriers

This use of magnets is both creative and good for the environment. Scientists from the University of Stellenbosch have been studying sharks and discovered that some species are repelled by magnetic fields. Some sharks have sensory organs that detect high powered magnets. When they pick up on the magnetic field they are repelled, which is why the group of scientists are developing beach barriers with magnets. The method wouldn’t harm the sharks or other marine life and it could keep beach-goers safer.

Magnetic clothing closures

The “Quickzip” isn’t just a new spin on an old trick. Inventor Scott Peters and his family developed a magnetic zipper that is specifically designed to help those with limited hand mobility. The zipper easily comes together with attracting magnets built into the design.

Wireless electricity with magnets

You may have heard about wireless charging inventions using magnets, and this creative use of magnets is similar. Dr. Katie Hall is experimenting with a type of wireless electricity━one that uses magnetic fields in the air. Hall has now formed the startup, WiTricity, to develop the wireless resonance technology even further. The greatest thing about these 5 creative thinkers is that they are everyday people that saw a problem and thought outside of the box to solve it. Do you know anyone else that is using magnets in creative ways? Feel free to share their stories with us!