A European Space Agency spin-off, Ciaura, based in the Netherlands, is hoping to find terrestrial uses for the porous beads that scrub carbon dioxide from the air aboard the International Space Station. The idea is to capture atmospheric CO_2 to boost the growth of greenhouse tomato plants, make carbonated drinks and cement or - in the first prototype - to pump it into aquariums to help keep water plants healthy. "Thunderwear" - prototype flame-resistant bras and underpants developed by Swedish clothing maker Bjorn Borg in collaboration with ESA - was launched at a fashion show in Stockholm last year. Made from Nomex, a fabric used in spacesuits, Thunderwear emerged from discussions between ESA's technology transfer team and Jernkontoret, Sweden's association of steel-makers. Steel workers struggle with conventional underwear as cotton retains heat, and can easily catch fire from a stray spark.
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