From the Big Sky: Montana’s Contributions to Innovation

Even though Montana was the 41st state added to our country, its late arrival has had no effect on its people's ability to produce the "first" of many important inventions.

Here are just a few contributions Montanans have made to society with their ingenious creations.

Get our free mobile app

1.) The Holter Monitor
Norma J. Holter, from Helena, Montana, was a biophysicist and inventor who created what is considered one of the most significant breakthroughs in modern medicine: the Holter Monitor. In the late 1940s and early 1950s, he developed this device, which allowed doctors to remotely monitor a patient's heart activity rather than relying solely on in-clinic EKGs.

2.) Bear Spray
Thanks to a few local Montanans, you can consider yourself safer from bear attacks. In the mid-1980's, Carrie Hunt conducted experiments on bear deterrents at the University of Montana. Her thesis was published by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in 1984. Later on, Bill Pounds, partnered with Hunt to develop the first-ever aerosol bear spray registered with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

3.) Radiation Tolerant Computer
Researchers at Montana State University are continuing the legacy of great inventions for the Treasure State by creating the RadPC.

"A small, lightweight computer that can resist damage from radiation exposure from low-orbit to deep space missions." - Montana State University

The RadPC was launched in 2019 from the International Space Station on a small satellite and continues to be in orbit. Since its great success, NASA has considered it to be used on future Mars missions.

Credit: American History , Counter Assault , MSU