Inspired by Dr. Elena Bodnar’s bra, New Scientist magazine is sponsoring a contest:
This bra could save your life, and your creativity could win you one. Devised by Ukrainian-born scientist Elena Bodnar, it separates to form two face masks – so that in the event of a nuclear accident, bioterrorist attack or smoky fire, the wearer can quickly detach the two cups, fasten one over her own mouth and nose for protection, and hand the other to a needy bystander.
“It only takes 25 seconds to use this personal protective device,” explained Bodnar, as she accepted last year’s Ig Nobel prize for services to public health. “Five seconds to remove, convert and apply your own mask. Twenty seconds to decide which lucky man you’re going to save.” (Watch the video above for a demonstration.)
After a year of intensive development, Bodnar’s Emergency Bra is now available to the public – and we have five of these indispensible garments to give away.
For your chance to win one, tell us your idea for a piece of novel multifunctional clothing – the more creative and public-spirited the better. You can send us your entry using this form. We’ll print the best suggestions once the competition has closed.
