At last, someone appears to have found a cure for one of the scourges of modern urban life - chewing gum.

Leading chewing gum manufacturer Wrigley's is developing a non-sticky chewing gum that will not cling to the sole of your shoe pavements, wood, carpets or fabrics.

The new gum will be a mix of silicone and polyvinyl acetate, which has a strong affinity for water. A filler such as calcium carbonate is added, along with sugar or an artificial sweetener.

New Scientist magazine said: "The silicone is solid at room temperature, but is softened by the polyvinyl acetate when chewed. Once the gum leaves the warm, wet mouth, it hardens - and won't stick where it isn't wanted."

Sounds tasty . . .

Dominic Coyle can be contacted at dcoyle@irish- times.ie