By passing light from the palimpsest through a filter made up of liquid crystals, the researchers can adjust the wavelengths of the pictures that result by 10 billionths of a metre at a time.

ECONOMIST: The Archimedes palimpsest

Most BlackBerry phones have a flashing light that blinks when an e-mail comes in, and a built-in option to filter alerts so that you only receive them from contacts you prioritise.

BBC: Managing e-mail while on the road

With the addition of a new Louver filter, the ZT Series line delivers improved external light shading, clarity and light transmittance.

ENGADGET: Sixteen new plasma TVs from Panasonic for 2013, none that break into larger classes

The filter fabric, made by a Swiss medical supply manufacturer, is feather light and ripstop strong.

WSJ: Polyester Is Back in Style at Alexander Wang, Talbot Runhof, Akris