Launch the slideshow to see how titanium oxide reacts with light to zap dirt at the molecular level

Not so long ago, chemical engineers discovered how to use titanium dioxide to keep buildings free of discoloring pollution.

The paper toilet-seat cover can be a guardian angel for the backside, but only if the seat is dry to begin with. When the cover is placed onto a seat that’s wet, it ferries bacteria and viruses from the toilet seat up to your bare skin.

The good news is that you’re unlikely to contract a disease merely by sitting on a pathogen-covered toilet.