UCC scientist produces biodegradable chewing gum

Unsightly chewing-gum marks on streets and pavements could soon be a thing of the past, thanks to new research at University College Cork.

A UCC scientist has developed a bio-degradable gum which has the elasticity of regular gum, but breaks down in days.

Between 2007 and 2010, Dublin City Council alone spent €1.3m on cleaning chewing gum off city streets.

Professor Elke Arendt's formula also breaks down harmlessly in the stomach, so if you accidentally swallow the gum. If it thrown on the street, it can be eaten by birds or degrades naturally.