Sticky Gum No More

Screw cancer, AIDS, and global warming. Science has stepped up to the plate and knocked out the worldwide epidemic of messy chewing gum residue by inventing a non-stick, self-deteriorating new kind of gum. Called Rev7, it was created at the University of Bristol and will go on sale sometime early next year. Researchers added a "water and oil-loving copolymer" to the gum, which keeps it from sticking to any surface, and it also breaks down into a white powder when left in the open. Now, I hate when a wad of fresh gum catches the sole of my shoe, but I've always considered gum's sticky properties a kind of gift with purchase. Good luck retrieving your keys from a storm drain or plugging a hull breach with your fancy Rev7. More details here.