Coolest Inventions 2004: Safety Net
BUG BARRIER
Dangerous malaria-carrying mosquitoes in Africa have a new foe: the next-generation Olyset bed net, which is made of a durable plastic weave impregnated with the insecticide permethrin and stays potent for five years. Lighter, cheaper and more colorful than previous versions, the Nguvu ya Ajabu (Swahili for Magic Power) is being manufactured in Tanzania for cost-effective distribution. Also new: curtains and door screens cut from the same material.
INVENTOR Sumitomo Chemical
AVAILABILITY Now; free from some relief agencies and clinics, or $7 to $8 per net
TO LEARN MORE acumenfund.org
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