Dixon has harnessed a process known as mineral accretion a tool of bioengineering to subject the chairs to low-voltage charges of solar power that encourage the growth of limestone at something close to three times the usual rate.

WSJ: Tom Dixon Makes Things Better

But he suggested that they proved a useful tool for the Backbench Business Committee to gauge the level of support for a particular subject.

BBC: Adjournment debate

If changes currently going through parliament become law, Asbos will become a tool in criminal cases, so people convicted of crime and disorder offences can be subject to an order on top of their sentence.

BBC: Q&A: Anti-social behaviour orders