10 Everyday Technologies That Can Change the World

A garden hose, a tin can, duct tape, metal piping, kitchencleaner, and gasoline: That is all television icon MacGyver needed to make aflame-thrower to ward off a swarm of killer ants. In the real world,technologies that are affordable and practical are not so simple to create, butthey can make a huge impact on people's lives. Instead of calling on complex solutions (reliant on engines andimported resources) for low-tech problems (such ascooking and lighting), some researchers are now developing what they call "confluent"technologies—ones that are effective, affordable, and sustainable for use inthe developing world. Here's a look at the latest breakthroughs: