Gizmodo: stain

Nanotech Coating Uses Sunlight to Banish Smelly Socks Forever

Kit Eaton — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 08:59:45 EST

Scientists in China and Australia have developed a method of cleaning fabric using nanotechnology that avoids dunking clothes in soapy water, before scrubbing and rinsing. The titanium dioxide-based coating bonds to silk and wool and uses sunlight to automagically decompose dirt, stains and microorganisms, meaning smelly socks could be a thing of the past—something that teenage boys' moms will applaud the world over.

Anatase titanium dioxide is applied as particles just five nanometers across, and acts as a photocatalyst to break down dirt and bacteria using sunlight. The non-toxic coating creates a layer so thin that the material's texture remains the same—ie, silk still feels like silk.

Dr Walid Daoud and team of Monash University, Australia, have demoed their invention by using it to attack a red wine stain on wool (as the photo shows: the top row is untreated wool, the middle row has a stain-treating agent and the bottom row the new nanotech coating.)

So far the coating bonds to wool and silk, so it's stain- and smell-busting powers are limited to wool-sock wearers and businessmen who have frequent egg-on-tie accidents. I'm waiting for the next-gen nanotech clothes that wash, iron and hang themselves. I reckon it's my scientific curiosity—my wife thinks it's just laziness. [The Telegraph]

Stain Teacup: Age is Beautiful?

Mark Wilson — Sat, 24 Feb 2007 11:53:09 EST

From artist Bethan Laura Wood, these teacups are meant to show their age.

The interior surface of the cup is treated so as to stain more in predetermined places. The more the cups are used, the more the pattern is revealed. Over time they will build up an individual pattern dependent on the users personal way of drinking tea.

In a culture that prizes the new, I'd love to see such principles applied to popular electronics. Instead of the constant fear of scratching your beloved iPod, the only user who could reveal intricate designs would be be long-term user.

Of course, the artistic rust coloring would be spoiled with the realization that my hands are indeed that filthy on a regular basis...we'll just stick with the tea. – Mark Wilson

Stain Teacup [via make]

Stain Detector Light for Post NYE Parties

Jason Chen — Fri, 29 Dec 2006 14:00:57 EST

If you're holding a party for New Years' and plan on inviting more than four people, you may want to invest in one of those Stain Detector/Black lights. Not only can you see just where all your revelers have spilled their beer, you can see if any of them got a little frisky on your furniture—specifically, your bed—when you weren't looking.

Yes, the joke prop of countless TV shows and movies is available for $6.99. Just scan the light over suspected areas and you'll expose "residue" you couldn't see with your naked eye. Sure beats having to move. – Jason Chen

Product page [Mikeskimball via uber review]