"The spread of pathogens on textiles and plastics is a growing concern, especially in healthcare facilities and hotels, which are ideal environments for the proliferation and spread of very harmful micro-organisms, " said Dr Locklin.

BBC: New solution can help 'permanently get rid of germs'

With so much to do, and a young family now, time is money and Dr Kiuna has to delegate and not be tempted to micro-manage each company.

BBC: Working Lives Kenya: CEO

In 2012, the World Food Prize will be presented to a citizen of Israel, Dr. Daniel Hillel, who was among the pioneers who developed micro-irrigation.

WHITEHOUSE: A Nobel Prize for Food and Agriculture

Dr Palsson and his colleagues at Genomatica are now applying the same modelling methods to other micro-organisms, including human pathogens and micro-organisms used in industrial processes.

ECONOMIST: REPORTS: The heart of the matter | The