Suffering smelly shoes? No sweat, say scientists
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Smelly trainers could be a thing of the past, thanks to an airtight shoebox that suffocates the bacteria that lead to foul footwear.
Smelly trainers could be a thing of the past, thanks to an airtight shoebox that suffocates the bacteria that lead to foul footwear.
A team at St Bartholomew's Hospital in London has designed and built a box that contains nitric oxide gas, which poisons the bugs.
The smell in trainers comes from bacteria breaking down the sweat and skin particles that seep into the absorbent parts of the shoes. Conventional cures include running trainers through a washing machine, putting them into the fridge (to put the bacteria into suspended animation) and using "activated carbon"insoles.
Professor Nigel Benjamin, a clinical pharmacologist, and Robin Gilbert, a student, hit on the idea of wiping out trainer bugs with lethal doses of nitric oxide released by the reaction of two chemicals.
"You'd put the trainers in the box and activate it every few weeks," Professor Benjamin told New Scientist. "The treatment leaves it with a nice,disinfectant-like smell."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments