http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/26/bacteria-killing-prototype-relies-on-plasma-could-obsolete-hand/ Engadget Comments for http://www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/26/bacteria-killing-prototype-relies-on-plasma-could-obsolete-hand/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/26/bacteria-killing-prototype-relies-on-plasma-could-obsolete-hand/Nov 26th 2009 7:26AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/11/26/bacteria-killing-prototype-relies-on-plasma-could-obsolete-hand/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/26/bacteria-killing-prototype-relies-on-plasma-could-obsolete-hand/Nov 26th 2009 7:52AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/11/26/bacteria-killing-prototype-relies-on-plasma-could-obsolete-hand/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/26/bacteria-killing-prototype-relies-on-plasma-could-obsolete-hand/Nov 26th 2009 7:59AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/11/26/bacteria-killing-prototype-relies-on-plasma-could-obsolete-hand/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/26/bacteria-killing-prototype-relies-on-plasma-could-obsolete-hand/Nov 26th 2009 8:23AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/11/26/bacteria-killing-prototype-relies-on-plasma-could-obsolete-hand/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/26/bacteria-killing-prototype-relies-on-plasma-could-obsolete-hand/Nov 26th 2009 8:30AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/11/26/bacteria-killing-prototype-relies-on-plasma-could-obsolete-hand/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/26/bacteria-killing-prototype-relies-on-plasma-could-obsolete-hand/Nov 26th 2009 9:40AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/11/26/bacteria-killing-prototype-relies-on-plasma-could-obsolete-hand/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/26/bacteria-killing-prototype-relies-on-plasma-could-obsolete-hand/Nov 26th 2009 10:23AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/11/26/bacteria-killing-prototype-relies-on-plasma-could-obsolete-hand/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/26/bacteria-killing-prototype-relies-on-plasma-could-obsolete-hand/
I enjoy showering so screw that.]]>Nov 26th 2009 12:04PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/11/26/bacteria-killing-prototype-relies-on-plasma-could-obsolete-hand/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/26/bacteria-killing-prototype-relies-on-plasma-could-obsolete-hand/Nov 26th 2009 7:54AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/11/26/bacteria-killing-prototype-relies-on-plasma-could-obsolete-hand/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/26/bacteria-killing-prototype-relies-on-plasma-could-obsolete-hand/
But it could be useful in trips to other planets...keep planets pristine from Earth-based germs and/or keep foreign germs away from Earth.]]>Nov 26th 2009 8:02AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/11/26/bacteria-killing-prototype-relies-on-plasma-could-obsolete-hand/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/26/bacteria-killing-prototype-relies-on-plasma-could-obsolete-hand/
Humans need some good bacteria to survive, e.g. the kinds we have in our intestine, they also help break down garbage so if we like it or not we have to live with them.

But this plasma still looks like an useful invention, maybe it could also be used to keep food fresh for longer, it could be even included in fridges.]]>Nov 26th 2009 11:35AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/11/26/bacteria-killing-prototype-relies-on-plasma-could-obsolete-hand/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/26/bacteria-killing-prototype-relies-on-plasma-could-obsolete-hand/Nov 26th 2009 12:58PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/11/26/bacteria-killing-prototype-relies-on-plasma-could-obsolete-hand/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/26/bacteria-killing-prototype-relies-on-plasma-could-obsolete-hand/Nov 26th 2009 8:01AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/11/26/bacteria-killing-prototype-relies-on-plasma-could-obsolete-hand/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/26/bacteria-killing-prototype-relies-on-plasma-could-obsolete-hand/I don't think that's true]]>Nov 26th 2009 12:14PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/11/26/bacteria-killing-prototype-relies-on-plasma-could-obsolete-hand/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/26/bacteria-killing-prototype-relies-on-plasma-could-obsolete-hand/
Actually, it is.]]>Nov 26th 2009 2:31PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/11/26/bacteria-killing-prototype-relies-on-plasma-could-obsolete-hand/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/26/bacteria-killing-prototype-relies-on-plasma-could-obsolete-hand/Nov 26th 2009 2:48PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/11/26/bacteria-killing-prototype-relies-on-plasma-could-obsolete-hand/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/26/bacteria-killing-prototype-relies-on-plasma-could-obsolete-hand/Nov 26th 2009 8:04AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/11/26/bacteria-killing-prototype-relies-on-plasma-could-obsolete-hand/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/26/bacteria-killing-prototype-relies-on-plasma-could-obsolete-hand/Nov 26th 2009 8:13AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/11/26/bacteria-killing-prototype-relies-on-plasma-could-obsolete-hand/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/26/bacteria-killing-prototype-relies-on-plasma-could-obsolete-hand/Nov 26th 2009 4:14PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/11/26/bacteria-killing-prototype-relies-on-plasma-could-obsolete-hand/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/26/bacteria-killing-prototype-relies-on-plasma-could-obsolete-hand/Nov 26th 2009 8:14AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/11/26/bacteria-killing-prototype-relies-on-plasma-could-obsolete-hand/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/26/bacteria-killing-prototype-relies-on-plasma-could-obsolete-hand/agreed,
anyone knows where does it come from?]]>Nov 26th 2009 9:12AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/11/26/bacteria-killing-prototype-relies-on-plasma-could-obsolete-hand/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/26/bacteria-killing-prototype-relies-on-plasma-could-obsolete-hand/Nov 26th 2009 9:59AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/11/26/bacteria-killing-prototype-relies-on-plasma-could-obsolete-hand/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/26/bacteria-killing-prototype-relies-on-plasma-could-obsolete-hand/Nov 26th 2009 2:53PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/11/26/bacteria-killing-prototype-relies-on-plasma-could-obsolete-hand/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/26/bacteria-killing-prototype-relies-on-plasma-could-obsolete-hand/
Me?

I just utilize proper handwashing techniques, and don't worry too much about coming across germs unless I am eating or preparing food. The body needs to experience germs and bacteria from a foreign environment to strengthen its own immune system. I am by no means "old", but I do recall when I was growing up, that dirt and germs were something that kids commonly came into contact with, and such gave us the ability to fight off the *real* nasty stuff when we got older. I haven't had a flu shot in 10 years, and in that time I have only had a serious illness (one that put me out of commission for more than a day) maybe 3 or 4 times.

It seems that parents and schools are so worried about sickness as of late, that they're not giving children the proper chance to build their immune systems. It's almost as if we won't let ourselves out in public any more without jacking our bodies up on antibiotics and soaking ourselves in Ethyl Alcohol.]]>Nov 26th 2009 8:20AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/11/26/bacteria-killing-prototype-relies-on-plasma-could-obsolete-hand/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/26/bacteria-killing-prototype-relies-on-plasma-could-obsolete-hand/I agree with you on every point you make. People need to stop worrying so much about getting sick and just let their immune system step up. But then again a lot of people do not eat healthy. All I have to say is good luck to them. ]]>Nov 26th 2009 9:44AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/11/26/bacteria-killing-prototype-relies-on-plasma-could-obsolete-hand/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/26/bacteria-killing-prototype-relies-on-plasma-could-obsolete-hand/You're right and wrong at the same time. For the general population, they are over-concerned about germs which (as studies have shown) has led to a decreased immune system.

However, there are specific situations - which presumably are much less common - where you do need something like this. Surgery would be the obvious example, followed by tattooing as they pointed out, etc. This is an industrial device that won't make it into homes anytime soon, so it's meant for these types of uses.]]>Nov 26th 2009 10:00AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/11/26/bacteria-killing-prototype-relies-on-plasma-could-obsolete-hand/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/26/bacteria-killing-prototype-relies-on-plasma-could-obsolete-hand/"I haven't had a flu shot in 10 years"

I agreed with most of it until I read that. All you're doing by not taking the shot is relying on herd immunity, which is only getting worse what with the reported increase in outbreaks of what used to be often vaccinated-for illnesses like measles. If enough people don't get the shot...
All I'm saying is: getting vaccinated and getting the shot is quite different from nuking your hands with sanitizer.]]>Nov 26th 2009 10:19AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/11/26/bacteria-killing-prototype-relies-on-plasma-could-obsolete-hand/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/26/bacteria-killing-prototype-relies-on-plasma-could-obsolete-hand/Nov 26th 2009 10:27AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/11/26/bacteria-killing-prototype-relies-on-plasma-could-obsolete-hand/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/26/bacteria-killing-prototype-relies-on-plasma-could-obsolete-hand/r34p3r did state he understands the need in environments where it's a necessity and cited hospitals and food handling as two instances of such a need for bacterial eradication. It sounds like you agreed with everything he said.

@r34p3r
A flu shot doesn't really work in this context. In fact, getting a flu shot would help further prove your point as the flu shot actually gives you the flu (in a very weak form) so your body is able to build the antibodies needed to stave off a more serious infection.
]]>Nov 26th 2009 10:46AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/11/26/bacteria-killing-prototype-relies-on-plasma-could-obsolete-hand/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/26/bacteria-killing-prototype-relies-on-plasma-could-obsolete-hand/
I agree with everything you have stated, except the flu shot bit. The person above me has shown why the converse is true for vaccines.

For anyone who warned house a week or two ago, there is a theory that the reason developed countries have so many autoimmune diseases is because of our underexposure to bacteria and germs, so our body never learns which things are good and which are bad.

This invention will revolutionize clean room environments and any place that requires sterility! I hopethat it is either too expensive or just plain not available to the general public, so that people don't overuse it.]]>Nov 26th 2009 11:51AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/11/26/bacteria-killing-prototype-relies-on-plasma-could-obsolete-hand/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/26/bacteria-killing-prototype-relies-on-plasma-could-obsolete-hand/
(And I'm only half joking, look it up.)
]]>Nov 26th 2009 12:18PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/11/26/bacteria-killing-prototype-relies-on-plasma-could-obsolete-hand/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/26/bacteria-killing-prototype-relies-on-plasma-could-obsolete-hand/Nov 26th 2009 8:21AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/11/26/bacteria-killing-prototype-relies-on-plasma-could-obsolete-hand/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/26/bacteria-killing-prototype-relies-on-plasma-could-obsolete-hand/Nov 26th 2009 8:26AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/11/26/bacteria-killing-prototype-relies-on-plasma-could-obsolete-hand/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/26/bacteria-killing-prototype-relies-on-plasma-could-obsolete-hand/Nov 26th 2009 9:17AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/11/26/bacteria-killing-prototype-relies-on-plasma-could-obsolete-hand/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/26/bacteria-killing-prototype-relies-on-plasma-could-obsolete-hand/D'oh, obsolete. No point being a pedant if you can't get your spelling right.]]>Nov 26th 2009 9:30AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/11/26/bacteria-killing-prototype-relies-on-plasma-could-obsolete-hand/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/26/bacteria-killing-prototype-relies-on-plasma-could-obsolete-hand/Nov 26th 2009 10:02AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/11/26/bacteria-killing-prototype-relies-on-plasma-could-obsolete-hand/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/26/bacteria-killing-prototype-relies-on-plasma-could-obsolete-hand/Nov 26th 2009 11:15AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/11/26/bacteria-killing-prototype-relies-on-plasma-could-obsolete-hand/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/26/bacteria-killing-prototype-relies-on-plasma-could-obsolete-hand/
]]>Nov 26th 2009 11:20AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/11/26/bacteria-killing-prototype-relies-on-plasma-could-obsolete-hand/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/26/bacteria-killing-prototype-relies-on-plasma-could-obsolete-hand/
I had the exact same first reaction. "Obsolete" only exists as an adjective or a transitive verb, and I don't think transitive verbs can be used this way. I stand by our gut feeling that this is bad grammar. As the guy above noted, obviate would be the proper word choice here. Not that anyone actually cares. Is this really how I'm spending my Thanksgiving?]]>Nov 26th 2009 12:59PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/11/26/bacteria-killing-prototype-relies-on-plasma-could-obsolete-hand/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/26/bacteria-killing-prototype-relies-on-plasma-could-obsolete-hand/Nov 27th 2009 2:29AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/11/26/bacteria-killing-prototype-relies-on-plasma-could-obsolete-hand/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/26/bacteria-killing-prototype-relies-on-plasma-could-obsolete-hand/Nov 27th 2009 2:31AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/11/26/bacteria-killing-prototype-relies-on-plasma-could-obsolete-hand/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/26/bacteria-killing-prototype-relies-on-plasma-could-obsolete-hand/Nov 26th 2009 10:22AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/11/26/bacteria-killing-prototype-relies-on-plasma-could-obsolete-hand/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/26/bacteria-killing-prototype-relies-on-plasma-could-obsolete-hand/
+1 I lold.]]>Nov 26th 2009 10:25AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/11/26/bacteria-killing-prototype-relies-on-plasma-could-obsolete-hand/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/26/bacteria-killing-prototype-relies-on-plasma-could-obsolete-hand/Nov 26th 2009 11:05AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/11/26/bacteria-killing-prototype-relies-on-plasma-could-obsolete-hand/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/26/bacteria-killing-prototype-relies-on-plasma-could-obsolete-hand/Nov 26th 2009 11:09AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/11/26/bacteria-killing-prototype-relies-on-plasma-could-obsolete-hand/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/26/bacteria-killing-prototype-relies-on-plasma-could-obsolete-hand/Nov 26th 2009 11:30AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/11/26/bacteria-killing-prototype-relies-on-plasma-could-obsolete-hand/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/26/bacteria-killing-prototype-relies-on-plasma-could-obsolete-hand/

]]>Nov 26th 2009 12:47PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/11/26/bacteria-killing-prototype-relies-on-plasma-could-obsolete-hand/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/26/bacteria-killing-prototype-relies-on-plasma-could-obsolete-hand/Nov 26th 2009 12:54PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/11/26/bacteria-killing-prototype-relies-on-plasma-could-obsolete-hand/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/26/bacteria-killing-prototype-relies-on-plasma-could-obsolete-hand/Nov 26th 2009 1:04PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/11/26/bacteria-killing-prototype-relies-on-plasma-could-obsolete-hand/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/26/bacteria-killing-prototype-relies-on-plasma-could-obsolete-hand/Nov 26th 2009 1:42PM