Gearlog reports that IOGEAR has just announced its Germ Free Wireless Laser Mouse, which "is able to inhibit a wide range of antibodies, viruses and algae and is perfect for libraries, schools, offices, or any other places where computer mice are frequently used."
Notwithstanding the fact that mice used in public settings such as libraries need to be wired, not wireless (to prevent theft), claims about spaceage "nanocoating, consisting of titanium oxide and silver nanoparticles that can prevent or deactivate bacteria with 99% efficiency" immediately set off my skeptic alarm.
Reading comments left by visitors to Gearlog confirms I'm not the only one who thinks this sounds a little far-fetched. However, one commenter points out that:
... this claim is not necessarily phoney: "Nanoparticles" is a fancy word for "extremely fine powder". There is no controversy about silver's ability to kill or suppress microbial replication. The problem is to make silver practical -- to work in very small quantities so the original product looks/feels the same, etc. Technology that attempts to do this is sold by a company north of Boston, MA. Some 3rd party testing is favorable. How well it works in particular cases, including this mouse, can only be determined by experiment. Regarding titanium dioxide, it can act as a catalyst in the presence of ultraviolet light. (The light does not seem to be mentioned in the story; they may be assuming fluorescent room lights would be prevalent.)
What do you think: fact or fiction?
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