For soliders out in the field chemical warfare is a very real threat, but while they can throw away their clothes and decontaminate their bodies, large equipment is more difficult to clean. Now military scientists have developed paint which literally sucks up the fallout from chemical attacks.

The Engineer reports that the UK-based Defence Science and Technology Laboratory has been working with paint company AkzoNobel to make the amazing substance. The system is comprised of two parts. A top coat, which contains silica gel and can absorb nasty chemicals like nerve gas, is painted onto a subtly sticky base coat, not dissimilar to the adhesive part of a Post-It.

via Paint That Sucks Up the Dangers of Chemical Warfare.