Dragon also returns new research meant to benefit scientists trying to improve the shelf life of consumer products like toothpaste and laundry detergent.

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Hedrick says it could also be a safe alternative to the ubiquitous use of various antimicrobial chemicals in products like toothpaste and cosmetics.

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In addition to food, many of them sell a broad range of household products, from toothpaste to cooking gas to credits for mobile phones.

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The votes of such citizens may prove decisive in electing a candidate who will help determine government spending of trillions of dollars, but far less is spent today on political advertisements that bolster our democracy than on consumer products such as toothpaste.

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It also markets more than 25 vaccines, and makes over-the-counter products such as Tums indigestion tablets and Aquafresh toothpaste.

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You can buy lots of other anti-bacterial products too: tea towels, copper panels, toothpaste, ice-making machines, pyjamas and underwear.

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Like toothpaste companies, the carmakers offer cash to entice retailers to move certain products at certain times--incentives buyers never hear about.

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Nevertheless, while the Net may not be the best place to buy toothpaste or dried squid, some clued-in cybernauts find it ideal for locating products that might not be available locally - or are less expensive online.

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