She says that picking patterns and materials, customizing them to her own needs, and then producing a finished product was an excellent introduction to problem solving.

FORBES: Linda Hudson, First Female CEO In Defense, Reflects On What It Takes

In fact levels are known to vary widely within even small areas, depending on weather patterns and building materials.

ECONOMIST: Japan risks another crisis over decontamination

The laser system, which includes a low-cost, portable scanner, is extremely accurate, according to the research team, and it also still recognised surface patterns after the materials had been abused.

BBC: NEWS | Technology | Laser spots paper 'fingerprints'

Concerns about quality control also apply: Weather patterns affect crops differently year to year, and major events like drought or flooding can cause the prices of raw materials to spike.

FORBES: Names You Need To Know: Yann Vasnier, The Man Inside The Bottle