Researchers from Eindhoven University of Technology and Hong Kong Polytechnic have leveraged those temperature swings to help solve the arid region hydration conundrum with a cotton material that absorbs water straight from the surrounding air.

ENGADGET

Cotton is a key input material for apparel retailers like Aeropostale and its sudden increase has led to margin compression.

FORBES: Aeropostale Set To Fly Express To $36

However, with the demand for clothing picking up alongside the shortage of cotton, the cost of the raw material has soared.

FORBES: King Cotton Getting Cheaper Would Send Aeropostale To $36

They built a thin layer, or "nanostructure, " using minute particles of titanium dioxide, a substance that reacts with sunlight to break down dirt and other organic material and can be coated on cotton to keep the fabric clean.

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