Shreddies

Odor-proof underwear, 40 years of Virgin Records and a DIY digital microscope in this week's look at the web

British inventor Paul O’Leary has developed a product he calls “Zorflex”—a carbon cloth developed to absorb odor. O’Leary uses the fabric in his new underwear brand Shreddies, created for sufferers of severe flatulence. While the shorts for men and women are reportedly rather useful in stopping odor, unfortunately for everyone they do little to muffle sound.

Virgin Records: 40 Years of Disruptions

Odor-proof underwear, 40 years of Virgin Records and a DIY digital microscope in this week's look at the web

With humble beginnings slinging imported krautrock records from a beanbag-laden hole in the wall in central London, the now-global media empire Virgin Records celebrates four decades in the business with a retrospective of their contribution to both music and visual culture. Though space-traveling billionaire Sir Richard Branson sold the label over 20 years ago, the outfit carried his adventurous, risk-taking spirit. Over the years Virgin’s …

Link About It: This Week’s Picks

Odor-proof underwear, 40 years of Virgin Records and a DIY digital microscope in this week's look at the web

1. Scents and Flavors from Re-Engineered Yeast Engineers at Amyris are growing the products used to make exotic scents and flavors—like patchouli, saffron and vanilla—from yeast, and at a very large scale. Makers are saying that the new process could help food and cosmetic companies—and ultimately consumers—by reducing crazy fluctuations in pricing, availability and quality that rise from our current dependence on farming. The switch …