But this problem could be overcome by making a coating with self-healing properties.

BBC: Coating heals itself after damage

The magical properties of coffee stains have already spurred on some researchers to develop a better coating for TV screens, and it looks like they've now inspired a few folks to create a new type of touchscreen as well.

ENGADGET: Coffee-like stains inspire new type of touchscreen

Because smart skins are grown by depositing layer upon layer, the base coating can be used as a foundation for adding other ingredients to tailor the material's properties for specific purposes.

ECONOMIST: MONITOR