If you’re like me, and carry small bottles of Purell in your car and purse, as well as at the bathroom and kitchen sink, because either you just hate germs, or like me, you have a compromised health system, there’s hope. Here’s Part One:
“Nasty germs, look out. Here comes another weapon against you and your creepy bacterial and microscopic friends. It‘s the Raycop anti-bacterial vacuum, now available in the U.S. and shining its ultraviolet light on all things small and dangerous. Adding to the fun is a serious 360-beat-per-minute vibrator that can shake all those mites and varmints loose from those fibers to which they cling, freeing them up for some serious suckage. As soon as any of those vermin are exposed to the old ultraviol, it’s bye bye, bugs.
Ultraviolet light as germ killer has been getting a lot of play lately, handy for taking down all kinds of things we don’t want around. Take a look at this list of favorite devices for germaphobes we compiled last week, and you’ll see many of the items gain their strength from the purple lights. Too bad this little hand-held Raycop costs $250, but then, what price total cleanliness?’
http://dvice.com/archives/2008/02/raycop_handheld.php
And there’s more from http://dvice.com/archives/2008/02/top_10_gadgets.php:
“We are all so petrified of germs, we turn to the highest tech to get rid of them, every last one. But that’s not going to be easy. In sheer numbers, there are 20 times more creepy crawlies in your body than cells. Heck, there are 500 species of bacteria, weighing 3.3 pounds, living in your gut alone! But those 90 trillion microbes living in and on your body right now aren’t what should be worrying us. Many of them are vital to our survival, and we want to keep them around. However, sometimes malevolent invaders try to blend in with that helpful crowd of flora and fauna. Those villains are the ones we want to kill, so click Continue to discover the top 10 gadgets that’ll help us do just that.
10. VIOlight Toothbrush Sanitizer
Rearrange the DNA of those puny microscopic pests camping out on your toothbrush with the ultraviolet light inside this $49 VIOlight in either travel or home versions. Once you’ve illuminated those germs for ten minutes with various wavelengths of UV light, you’ll have the cleanest toothbrush in town. Well, until you put it back into that potty mouth of yours.
http://dvice.com/archives/2008/02/top_10_gadgets.php
According to the VIOlight website:
“A single toothbrush can harbor millions of microorganisms, which translate into harmful bacteria — bacteria that thrive in the warm, moist environment of the average bathroom.
VIOlight stops these microorganisms dead in their track. Independent studies prove that the patent-pending VIOlight system eliminates up to 99.9% of bacteria that thrive on your toothbrush. That’s millions of microscopic bugs that can cause flu, colds and other illnesses, zapped in minutes!
“Even after being rinsed visibly clean, toothbrushes can remain contaminated with potentially pathogenic organisms.”
— The Centers for Disease Control, January 2002 report
As Easy as Brush, Store and Sanitize
VIOlight uses a germicidal UV bulb — the same technology used in hospitals — to kill germs. Sanitization is activated with a simple push of a button. A blue-violet glow on top of the VIOlight lets you know the sanitizer is working. The entire process takes only 10 minutes. When finished, the bulb automatically shuts off and your toothbrush is fresh, clean, and protected for the next time you brush!”
http://www.violight.com/about.html
9. Just Plane Clean
When you’re wedged into a flying tin can full of hacking, microbe-spewing meat puppets, you’re going to need some heavy air filtering. Snap the Plane Clean Filter onto that ventilation nozzle above your head, and its stale breeze will still smell rank, but at least there will be a few less funky pathogens in the air. We have our doubts about this one; it’ll cost ya $20 to be the guinea pig.
http://dvice.com/archives/2008/02/top_10_gadgets.php
According to Plane Clean Filter’s website:
“Plane Clean Air
has been tested in an FDA certified lab and is shown to remove 99.5% of all airborne bacteria, viruses and allergens from your airstream.
So the next time you fly, make sure you travel the healthy way, by using
Plane Clean Air
Product Description
The Plane Clean Air Filter is a compact device that can be attached to a passenger’s overhead gasper nozzle. Plane Clean Air houses an electrostatic charged filter media that is capable of removing viruses, bacteria and other particulate matter from an air stream. A thin air gasket is attached to the entrance port of the filter housing. Plane Clean Air is designed for attachment to most gasper configurations (Airbus and Boeing) using the adhesive on the air gasket.
Plane Clean Air filter is installed by removing a release liner from the adhesive on the air gasket and mounting the device directly to the face of the gasper. Air flow velocity can be controlled by rotating the housing which in turn rotates the gasper. Once the desired air flow rate is achieved, the air stream can be directed onto the user’s face by turning the air exit nozzle.
At the end of the flight, Plane Clean Air can be detached easily and placed in its storage case. The air gasket adhesive is formulated to hold the product securely but will not leave any adhesive residue on the gasper surface when removed. The adhesive and filter are designed to last for several flights. Replacement adhesive gaskets and filter media can be purchased when required.”
http://www.planecleanair.com/index.html
8. Hands-Free Soap Dispenser
Your bathroom can be touch-free, starting with this $40 SimpleHuman Sensor Soap Pump. Let’s hope it doesn’t require some fancy macarena-style hand motions to get the flow started. Fill it up with Purell for more antibacterial goodness; rinse, repeat.
http://dvice.com/archives/2008/02/top_10_gadgets.php
According to SimpleHuman Sensor Soap Pump’s website:
“The sensor soap pump dispenses soap touch-free to help avoid cross-contamination. Simply place your hand under the sensor to dispense soap automatically. An optional LED light timer blinks for 20 seconds to indicate how long to lather for germ-free hands. Four volume settings allow the pump to dispense preset amounts of soap or lotion.
Ideal for dispensing hand or dishwashing soap by a kitchen or bathroom sink. Also can be used to dispense hand lotion.
materials
- rustproof chrome-plated top cover
- stainless steel backsplash
- clear acrylic soap chamber
capacity
- 14 oz.
built-in light timer
Optional light timer blinks for 20 seconds for germ-free hands.
continuous dispensing button
Hold down the continuous dispensing button to manually dispense soap directly on items.
built-in light timer
Optional light timer blinks for 20 seconds for germ-free hands.
easy to refill
Large, easy to refill opening.
four volume settings
Allows you to dispense larger or smaller amounts of soap.
touch-free operation
Dispenses soap automatically through a touch-free sensor.
battery-operated
operates on 4 “AA” batteries
(not included)”
http://www.simplehuman.com/products/soap-pumps/sensor-soap-pump.html
7. Nanotech Dresses
These two cotton dresses, created by fiber scientists and a student designer at Cornell University, have metallic nanofabers sewn in, giving them remarkable germ-fighting capabilities. Not a single microbe can survive on these garments, and they never need washing, either. Yeah, make me some socks out of this stuff — we’ll see if they never need washing or not. Too bad the material costs $10,000 per square yard.
http://dvice.com/archives/2008/02/top_10_gadgets.php
According to Cornell Online:
“Fashion designers and fiber scientists at Cornell have taken “functional clothing” to a whole new level. They have designed a garment that can prevent colds and flu and never needs washing, and another that destroys harmful gases and protects the wearer from smog and air pollution.
The two-toned gold dress and metallic denim jacket, featured at the April 21 Cornell Design League fashion show, contain cotton fabrics coated with nanoparticles that give them functional qualities never before seen in the fashion world.
Designed by Olivia Ong ‘07 in the College of Human Ecology’s Department of Fiber Science and Apparel Design, the garments were infused with their unusual qualities by fiber science assistant professor Juan Hinestroza and his postdoctoral researcher Hong Dong. Apparel design assistant professor Van Dyke Lewis launched the collaboration by introducing Ong to Hinestroza several months ago.
Nicole Grospe ‘07, left, and Andrea Clark ‘07 model clothing designed by Olivia Ong ‘07, at the Cornell Design League fashion show. The dress and jacket contain nanoparticles with antibacterial and air-purifying qualities.
“We think this is one of the first times that nanotechnology has entered the fashion world,” Hinestroza said. He noted one drawback may be the garments’ price: one square yard of nano-treated cotton would cost about $10,000.
Ong’s dress and jacket, part of her original fashion line called “Glitterati,” look innocently hip. But closer inspection — with a microscope, that is — shows an army of electrostatically charged nanoparticles creating a protective shield around the cotton fibers in the top part of the dress, and the sleeves, hood and pockets of the jacket.
“It’s something really moving toward the future, and really advanced,” said Ong, who graduates in December and aspires to design school. “I thought this could potentially be what fashion is moving toward.”
Dong explained that the fabrics were created by dipping them in solutions containing nanoparticles synthesized in Hinestroza’s lab. The resultant colors are not the product of dyes, but rather, reflections of manipulation of particle size or arrangement.
The upper portion of the dress contains cotton coated with silver nanoparticles. Dong first created positively charged cotton fibers using ammonium- and epoxy-based reactions, inducing positive ionization. The silver particles, about 10-20 nanometers across (a nanometer is one-billionth of a meter) were synthesized in citric acid, which prevented nanoparticle agglomeration.
Hong Dong/Provided
A scanning electron microscope image shows a cotton fiber with palladium nanoparticle coating.
Assistant professor Juan Hinestroza and postdoctoral researcher Hong Dong, in their Martha Van Rensselaer Hall lab.
Dipping the positively charged cotton into the negatively charged silver nanoparticle solution resulted in the particles clinging to the cotton fibers.
Silver possesses natural antibacterial qualities that are strengthened at the nanoscale, thus giving Ong’s dress the ability to deactivate many harmful bacteria and viruses. The silver infusion also reduces the need to wash the garment, since it destroys bacteria, and the small size of the particles prevents soiling and stains.
The denim jacket includes a hood, sleeves and pockets with soft, gray tweed cotton embedded with palladium nanoparticles, about 5-10 nanometers in length. To create the material, Dong placed negatively charged palladium crystals onto positively charged cotton fibers.
Ong, though strictly a designer, was drawn especially to the science behind creating the anti-smog jacket.
“I thought it would be cool if [wearers] could wipe their hands on their sleeves or pockets,” Ong said.
Ong incorporated the resultant cotton fiber into a jacket with the ability to oxidize smog. Such properties would be useful for someone with allergies, or for protecting themselves from harmful gases in the contaminated air, such as in a crowded or polluted city.”
http://www.news.cornell.edu/stories/May07/nanofibers.fashion.aj.html
6. Zapper Kills Bugs Dead
You don’t actually want to put your hands anywhere near those grimy houseflies, do you? This $13 Electric Bug Zapper is like a lethal Taser for any insect, testament to the cruel fact that if you’re a bug, trespassing in someone’s house warrants the death penalty.
http://dvice.com/archives/2008/02/top_10_gadgets.php
According to Northline Express.com:
“Here is a fast, easy, hygienic, and more effective way to eliminate those pesky flying insects. The Handheld Bug Zapper, similar to the shape of a badminton racket, is lightweight and with the push of two buttons emits a low level electrical current that halts mosquitoes, flies, gnats and other flying pests in their tracks.
Environmentally safe, the zapper can be used indoors and outdoors. The zapper glows-in-the-dark, so when sitting around that campfire it is guaranteed not to get lost. Made of durable ABS plastic and measures almost 17″ long it will provide comfort from pests for anyone wanting to enjoy those summer evenings. And it’s fun to use!
Caution: This is not a toy. Keep out of reach of children.
Editors Note: This product works amazingly well both indoors and outdoors – we highly recommend it!”
- Measures 16 3/4″ long by 7 1/2″ across
- Weighs less than a pound
- 2 Button Safety Design
- Glow in the Dark
- Safe for indoor or outdoor use
- 2 AA batteries included
- Weight: 1.00LB
- Model: 40050GE “
http://www.northlineexpress.com/itemdesc.asp?ic=5MB-40050GE&source=shopping&kw=5MB-40050GE
5. Germ-Killing Surface
You do realize that your hands are even more germ-infested than a toilet seat, right? Keeping that in mind, the loo will be many times cleaner than you when it’s someday equipped with a nano particle surface made of titanium dioxide. Aussie innovators in the Particles and Catalysts Research Group at the University of New South Wales created the substance that not only cleans itself, it repels water, too. Still in the developmental stage, expect the sparkling surface to be coming soon to a water closet near you.
http://dvice.com/archives/2008/02/top_10_gadgets.php
According to the Paul Tech Network Blog:
“It’s a veritable god-send to all women with slob significant others. Accustomed to sitting in the filth left by their so-called loved ones, women had become listless – feeling trapped in an endless cycle of degradation, shame, and rage. Fear not, Aussies have come up with a way to lift women out of this filthy cycle. Toilet Rage – Be Gone!
Researchers at the Particles and Catalysts Research Group, University of New South Wales, have come up with a nano particle surface that can autoclean itself. The surface is made of titanium dioxide, which has better oxidizing ability than chlorine bleach. It used to be only activated only when exposed to ultra violet light, but signs are there that they may be overcoming that obstacle. The surface is hydrophobic, so it repels water. So, the coated surface would kill germs and water would slide away. There is hope!”
http://gopaultech.com/blog/2008/02/germ-killing-toilet-surface/
4. Philips Sonicare FlexCare Toothbrush
Not only does this $100 Philips electric toothbrush sonically vibrate that plaque into oblivion, now the company has picked up on the ultraviolet bug-killing kick, too. Just pop those brush heads into the mini-tanning booth attached to the toothbrush’s base, and all those nasty squirmy worms are cooked up like a lobster in a boiling pot.
http://dvice.com/archives/2008/02/top_10_gadgets.php
From an earlier DVice article on it:
“As effective as Philips’ Sonicare electric toothbrushes may be, one thing I’ve always felt they lacked was radiation. Well, my dream has come true now that Philips has developed the FlexCare toothbrush, which includes a UV sanitizer built into the charger. After you’re done brushing, you remove the head from the brush and seal it in the chamber. One press of a button later and the sanitizer bathes the head with ultraviolet radiation, sterilizing the bristles and preventing any germ buildup. And possibly giving it a tan.
The FlexCare has other upgrades, too: The head’s base is smaller to make it easier to clean, and there are multiple brushing modes, including one for sensitive mouths and another for massaging gums. The FlexCare is coming in August for $180. If you just bought one of Sonicare’s current brushes, you can still get in on the UV-radiation fun with a standalone sanitizer for $50. See a couple of pics of that after the jump.”
http://dvice.com/archives/2007/06/sonicare_flexcare_toothbrush_r.php
http://www.sonicare.com/default.asp
3. Lotus Sanitizing System
This $150 magic bowl turns ordinary H2O into superoxygenated water that can clean everything in your house, neutralize odors, kill microbes and even rid foods of pesticides. Cure all known diseases? Well, they’re not going that far. Either dip whatever you want super-cleaned into the bowlful of cleansing water, or put that special water in a spray bottle to spread its goodness hither and yon. Sounds like snake oil. Does it work? Time magazine thought so.
http://dvice.com/archives/2008/02/top_10_gadgets.php
From the Tersano website:
“lotus Sanitizing System – How It Works
The lotus® patent® technology infuses cold tap water with an extra oxygen atom, creating a natural sanitizer. By passing air through 4,500 volts of electricity, the lotus® system splits oxygen molecules into atoms and forces this extra atom to combine and form super-oxygen. The third oxygen atom becomes the sanitizing agent, a natural oxidant — which kills bacteria and viruses, and neutralizes pesticides.
http://www.tersano.com/howitworks_lss.php
How Do I Know It Works
Built in sensors monitor and guarantee that the Oxyshield technology infusion process occurs in every cycle to safely create one of the most powerful, all-natural sanitizing agents in the world. The indicator on the unit will reach 100% once the water has been fully activated.
- Simply fill the spray bottle with cold tap water and place on the base unit. Select the appropriate button and start the process. In about two minutes the lotus water is ready to be used for up to 1 hour to clean. EPA registered to kill 99.99% of bacteria and viruses during the first 15 minutes. A count down timer on the unit tells you that it is time to reload and recharge.
- When using the bowl attachment we recommend that the produce is washed and rid of any dirt before sanitizing. Maximum bacteria and pesticide reduction may be achieved after 4 minutes but may take up to 8 minutes if the produce is highly saturated with contaminants. Once the lotus process shows 100% complete your produce is free of pesticide residues and bacteria making the produce taste better and last up to 4 times longer!
View the test results that were run on the lotus Sanitizing System.
Product Claims
- EPA registered for produce and household surfaces
- FDA and USDA approved process for food sanitation
- UL ,CSA, GS, CE and CQC tested and approved
- Kills 99.9 % of:
- Escherichia coli (E. coli)
- Salmonella choloeraesuis (Salmonella)
- Staphylococcus aureus (Staph)
- Listeria monocytogenes (Listeria)
- Klebsiella pneumonia (K. Pneumonia)
- Works 3000 times faster and 50% more powerful than chlorine bleach
- Kills bacteria within seconds
- Has no toxic residue or by-products
- Scent-free, leaves no residual fragrance
- Kills bacteria that cause food to decay, increasing shelf life up to 4 times!
- Destroys up to 99% of pesticides
- Improves the taste of foods or other edible products
- Kills up to 99% of odor causing bacteria
- Recognized by Time Magazine as one of the “Best Inventions”
http://www.tersano.com/howdoiknowitworks_lss.php
Healthy Home – Where Do I Use lotus?
- Windows/Mirrors
- Stain Remover on Carpets and Fabric
- Kitchen Counters
- Granite, Marble and Slate Counter Tops(porous)
- Wood Surfaces
- Dust mites
- Floors
- Sinks
- Toilets
- Shower and Bathtub
- Appliances
- Stainless Steel
- Kills Mold and Mildew
- Pet Dander/Odor, Stain Remover
- Room/Closet Deodorizing
- Smokers area
- Cars/RV/Boat Interiors
- Carpet and Upholstery Stain Remover
- Toothbrushes
- Baby toys
- Baby Bottles/Pacifiers
- Baby’s Highchair
- Personal Grooming Tools
- Sanitizes Fruits and Vegetables
Replace all types of chemical cleaners!
- Windex® Vinegar Multi Surface
- Windex® Antibacterial
- Oxi Clean® Carpet Stain Remover
- Fantastik® Bleach
- Clorox® Ultimate Care
- Mr. Clean® Magic Eraser
- Pine Sol® Fresh lemon Floor Cleaner
- Lysol® All Purpose
- Febreze® Anti-microbial deodorizer
- Bissell® Pet Stain Remover
- Urine Gone™ Stain and odor Eliminator
- Febreze® Extra Strength deodorizer
- Pledge® Stainless Steel
- Pledge® Extra Moisturizing furniture polish
- Tilex® Soap Scum
- Tilex® Fresh Shower
- Tilexv Mold and Mildew
- Air Wick® with Baking Soda
- Hoover® Spot and Stain Remover
- Shout® Spot Remover
Even replace all these types of “Green” products
- Clean Veggie Spray
- Carpet Stain Remover
- Window Cleaner
- Cleaning Lotion
- Pet Stain & Odor
- All Kitchen and Bath Cleaner
- Clean Veggie Wash
- Tub & Tile Cleaner
- Liquid Bleach
- Vinegar
- Baking Soda
- Lemon Juice
- Extract Oils
- Furniture Polish”
http://www.tersano.com/healthyhome.php
And Time Magazine’s Best Inventions of 2006:
MEALS INVENTIONS
Clean Machine
“In the wake of the spinach scare, even the friendliest food can seem like a biological hazard, and scrubbing alone won’t necessarily wipe out pesticides or bacteria. The Lotus Sanitizing System turns ordinary tap water into superoxygenated water that kills microbes and removes toxins. The machine uses an electrical charge to infuse the tap water with ozone, which sounds scarier than it is–it just means the water carries a form of oxygen that acts as a natural sanitizer.
Inventor: Tersano
Availability Now; $200
To learn more visit tersano.com“
http://www.time.com/time/2006/techguide/bestinventions/inventions/meals4.html
2. Halo UVX Vacuum
The $400 Halo UVX’s ultraviolet bug-killing light not only smites mites and the ever-present dust bunnies to which they cling, its makers say it can even kill viruses. If it can do that, those common household bacteria and common rug funk should be no match for this snarling, wheezing, purple-illuminated beast.
http://dvice.com/archives/2008/02/top_10_gadgets.php
According to Halo’s website:
“What is the Halo™ UVX Ultraviolet Vacuum?
The Halo™ UVX Ultraviolet Vacuum is the first in a line of the world’s only germ-killing vacuums. That means that the Halo™ UVX not only vacuums the dirt from your floor, but it is the only chemical-free floor-care solution that can kill dust mites, germs, viruses like MRSA and bacteria living in your carpet and home. These are all allergens that can lead to allergies and asthma.
Can you use attachments with the Halo™ UVX Ultraviolet Vacuum?
The Halo UVX, does not include attachments. The most concentrated sources of dust mites and other such allergens are in the home’s carpet and mattresses. We wanted our initial solution to concentrate solely on this problem. If you are interested in attachments, please see our Halo UV-ST.
How much does the Halo™ UVX Ultraviolet Vacuum weigh?
Approximately 15 pounds.
Where can I purchase a Halo™ UVX Ultraviolet Vacuum?
While many online and brick-and-mortar retailers have the Halo™ UVX Ultraviolet Vacuum, we suggest you click on our “Buy Now” link to purchase it.
Do any replacement bags come with the Halo™ UVX Ultraviolet Vacuum?
Yes. A replacement pack of five Halo UVX bags come with the product. Additional replacement bags can be purchased through our website.
How do I know it works?
See our Science and Technology section.
What do I do if I need to replace my ultraviolet bulb? Where can I take my Halo™ UVX Ultraviolet Vacuum for repairs?
Our ultraviolet bulb has been tested so extensively that we are confident it will never need to be replaced. Due to this, the bulb is covered under a lifetime warranty. The Halo UVX is covered under a one year warranty as well. However, if there are any problems, we suggest first taking a look at your Owner’s Safety and Operation Manual to troubleshoot your problem. If you are still having difficulties, please call our Customer Service line at 1-866-638-HALO (4256) and a member of our team will be happy to help you.
Will it fade or burn my carpet?
When used appropriately (as outlined in the Owners Safety and Operation Manual), the Halo™ UVX Ultraviolet Vacuum will not fade or damage carpets, rugs, floors, mattresses or other surfaces.
How long does the UV-C bulb last?
The UV-C bulb is estimated to last 8,000 hours and we anticipate that it would never need to be replaced. Due to this, the bulb is covered under a lifetime warranty.
Why does the Halo™ UVX Ultraviolet Vacuum use a bag when “bagless” is so popular right now?
Our goal was to design a vacuum that exposed the family to the least amount of allergens. Bagless vacuums expose the user to the vacuumed allergens when emptying the bagless canister.
Does this vacuum have any belts that need to be replaced?
The Halo UVX Ultraviolet Vacuum was designed for convenience, ease-of-use and ultimately, exceptional performance. With this in mind, the Halo UVX employs gears, not belts, to power to brush bar, so there are no belts that can break or to change.
Does this vacuum have any belts that need to be replaced?
The Halo UVX Ultraviolet Vacuum was designed for convenience, ease-of-use and ultimately, exceptional performance. With this in mind, the Halo UVX employs gears, not belts, to power to brush bar, so there are no belts that can break or to change.
Does the Halo™ UVX Ultraviolet Vacuum have “True HEPA” filtration?
Yes. The Halo™ UVX Ultraviolet Vacuum uses a premium cloth bag, then the air is also filtered through an odor removing carbon filter before the air exits the units via a True HEPA filter. The air exiting our unit is cleaner than the typical air found in homes.
Will the bulb area get hot during operation?
No. The UVX’s patent-pending bulb chamber has been designed to pull the UV-C light bulb heat away from the bulb chamber.
What is the Halo™ 30 Day Risk Free Trial Period?
The Halo™ 30 Day Risk Free Trial allows you to purchase and try the product in the comfort of your own home to see if it’s right for you. Vacuum your carpets, kill the allergens in your home, try it out. If for any reason you are not completely satisfied, just call our Customer Service at 866-638-HALO (4256) and we’ll pick up the vacuum and refund your money, no questions asked.
Why is this revolutionary vacuum so reasonably priced?
The first ultraviolet vacuum from Halo™ is designed to be as affordable as possible. At Halo™, we realize that many people suffer from allergies or asthma, or are seeking ways in which to have a cleaner home that provides a healthier environment for their families. It is our mission to create innovative products that make families healthier
How does the Halo UVX compare to it’s competitors regarding pick-up?
Halo outperforms best selling traditional vacuums in regards to pick up of debris according to an ASTM test method for evaluating dirt removal effectiveness. In addition to testing, our vacuums also employ an energy-efficient design that delivers more power with less energy consumption. We achieve this with two strategically placed motors: one to generate powerful suction and one to drive the brush bar. The benefit of the dual motor design is that when using the brush bar, performance is never compromised.”
AND from CNET Asia – Crave Blog comes:
Step aside Roomba, here comes Ultraviolet
Juniper Foo | Jan 03, 2008
“Not the Ultraviolet of the Milla Jovovich movie fame, but this killing machine sucks just as much. Thanks to the UV-C technology that’s onboard, its ultraviolet light is said to instantly vaporize dust mites, bacteria, viruses, mold, flea eggs and other unseen creepy-crawlies lurking in the carpet and flooring.
As the first such vacuum to use UV-C light in addition to suction capability, the US$499 Halo Ultraviolet Vacuum leaves others eating its dust trail. And being a pet owner, this one gets my thumbs up for zapping those invisible house guests sans chemicals. Now all that’s needed is for the Halo Ultraviolet Vacuum to do the dirty work sans cords and human help just like the Roomba, and this one gets my money.”
http://asia.cnet.com/crave/2008/01/03/step-aside-roomba-here-comes-ultraviolet/
1. Samsung SilverCare Washer
Using nanotech to release molecules of silver into your wash water, Samsung says this washer kills 99.9% of “tested bacteria” (whatever that is), even when using cold water and no bleach. Consumer Reports says the $1400 washer’s SilverCare setting actually made some stinky t-shirts smell a whole lot better than those washed the normal way, but it took an extra 6 to 24 minutes per load to release those magical bug-killing silver nanoparticles.
http://dvice.com/archives/2008/02/top_10_gadgets.php
Samsung says:
“SilverCare™ technology
An advanced energy-saving technology with superb microbe killing capabilities. The sanitization process this provides without the use of hot water saves up to 92% of the energy used in traditional hot water processes. It is also is gentler on clothes which makes for longer use of your clothes and all things considered a fast payback on your investment.
know exactly what cycle you’re in
SAMSUNG’s easy to use display panel with its green display indicators let you know what’s going on at all times.
safety – always a factor
The child lock indicator reminds you when you are operating the child lock function. This ensures that children do not interfere with the operation of the machine.”
And if that’s not enough:
Jetpack look-a-like kills foot odor and germs in one shot
“The germaphobe community in Japan brings us yet another oddball gadget to put our minds at ease called the CH-3800 Shoes Dryer. Although the CH-3800 will quickly and efficiently remove the damp sidewalk sweat from your shoes, the device’s ozone anti-bacterial function is what takes it into geek-out territory.
Assuming you don’t mind constantly fielding questions regarding why you have a jet pack in your home attached to your shoes, at just 9,800 yen ($89.55) the CH-3800 Shoes Dryer is a relative bargain.”
http://dvice.com/archives/2007/11/jetpack_lookalike_kills_foot_o.php
AND:
Germ Killing Light Gun destroys bad germs
By Joe
“This looks more like a Star Trek toy or a weird cellphone, but in fact it’s a nano-technology germ killing weapon.
This device uses UV-C light to destroy 99.99% of the germs. Simply point the device to a spot and it will destroy all germs like E-Coli, staphylococcus, salmonella, flu, …
This device is not only perfect for people suffering Germaphobes (obsessive cleaning), it might come in handy for young children, to ensure minimal germ exposure.
This flip-weapon is available for $79.95 at Hammacher.”
http://www.gadgetcool.com/tags/germ/
AND:
CulinaryPrep – kitchen countertop germ busting gadget
“For a mere $400 USD you can have a peace of mind when it comes to your food safety. The germ busting gadget, CulinaryPrep kills bacteria and food born pathogens from poultry, meat, fish, and produce, including E.coli, listeria and salmonella. Applying the Grovac patented process, CulinaryPrep eliminates bacteria up to 99.5%, removes free radicals often associated with cancer from your food and reduces fat, sodium and salt levels. The results were proven by several independent studies, conducted by Kansas State University, LSU, Whitbeck and Warren Analytical Laboratories. As an added bonus, the CulinaryPrep will marinate your food while enhancing flavor and texture. This kitchen countertop germ busting gadget will be a great gift for Christmas.”
And MY personal favorite:
HYSO Doorknob Germ Killer
After imagining he was inside a woman’s restroom—something we’ve all done at one time or…sorry, where were we?—Simon Sassoon devised a gadget that automatically kills germs on public doorknobs. Want to see what two years and $250,000 worth of investment money gets you? That’s it on the right.
Every fifteen minutes, this $60 device sprays a mist of “hospital-grade disinfectant” onto the knob, killing whatever post-urination/defecation residue got transferred to the knob after being handled by hundreds of people.
Those in the hygiene brigade can reel off dozens of reasons all strangers are potential enemies: virulent flu seasons, packed airplanes with stale air, buses where no one covers a mouth when sneezing. But social critics detect an element of hysteria in the germaphobia of Americans and suggest that at its root is a fear of a dangerous, out-of-control world.
http://gizmodo.com/gadgets/gadgets/hyso-doorknob-germ-killer-212800.php
So relax, companies are thinking of you…
This Seminar will review – the need for carbon sequestration, The Ocean Nourishment technology, environmental and social benefits of Ocean Nourishment
Virgin Group founder Richard Branson will spend three billion dollars in the next 10 years on a variety of projects to combat global warming and reduce dependence on fossil fuels. The announcement was made at the 
Richard Branson’s 
Richard Branson says Virgin Atlantic will aim to avoid buying four-engined airplanes in future for both economic and environmental reasons, Reuters 
Even if there were sound reasons for keeping us in ignorance, human nature being what it is, it is difficult to believe that someone wouldn’t show off, and tell us poor benighted peasants, the secret of time travel. Of course, some people would claim that we have been visited from the future. They would say that UFO’s come from the future, and that governments are engaged in a gigantic conspiracy to cover them up, and keep for themselves, the scientific knowledge that these visitors bring. All I can say is, that if governments were hiding something, they are doing a pretty poor job, of extracting useful information from the aliens.”
This picture would explain why we haven’t been over run by tourists from the future.
But it would still leave plenty of paradoxes. Suppose it were possible to go off in a rocket ship, and come back before you set off. What would stop you blowing up the rocket on its launch pad, or otherwise preventing you from setting out in the first place. There are other versions of this paradox, like going back, and killing your parents before you were born, but they are essentially equivalent. There seem to be two possible resolutions.” 
