What technological advancements aided in the discovery of penicillin?

The discovery of penicillin was significantly aided by advancements in microscopy and bacteria growing mediums. The development of the microscope allowed scientists to observe microorganisms at a cellular level, which was crucial in understanding bacterial infections and the effects of antibiotics.

Furthermore, the availability of various media to culture bacteria enabled researchers, including Alexander Fleming, to isolate and study the properties of penicillin effectively. These advancements provided the tools necessary for both identifying bacteria and testing the antibacterial effects of substances like penicillin, leading to its eventual medical use.

In contrast, technological advancements such as airplanes and communication devices, electricity and automated machinery, or telegraph and radio transmission, while important in their respective fields, did not directly contribute to the discovery or development of penicillin.