Cool idea, but...

A bunch of scientists in South Dakota have made an interesting discovery: it's possible to embed antimicrobial properties to paint. Interior wall paint.

They say that it'll kill staph, E. coli, and MRSA within minutes of contact.

I have to wonder, though, if this is a good idea. I mean, think about it: where did MRSA come from? Hospitals. Where they use a lot of antibacterial soaps (a lot of the time incorrectly), antibacterial gel hand cleaner, antibacterial cleaning supplies, and lots and lots of antibiotics. It killed of the weak strains to leave the strong to get stronger.

If they develop this new tech to the point that it's really effective, and really cost effective, then everybody's going to want to use it. Which, in turn, will kill 99.9% of airborne bacteria, most of which will never make us sick. It 's immediately eradicated by our immune systems, which learn what to look for.

Current studies are indicating that the emphasis on super-clean homes can actually make people sick by not allowing their immune systems to learn what to attack and what not to attack. Those studies also indicate that this is one possible cause of allergies.

I flat refuse to discuss the political implications. Anyone can imagine the government's reaction should this prove as effective as its inventors claim.

In short, this is a cool idea, but not necessarily a good one.