In a world where you can almost replace your eyes with robotics successfully (maybe) there are certain bodily problems one wonders why haven't been bred or technologised out of the human race yet.

Why is it, for instance, that now and then people will still inadvertently let rip with the socially embarrassing and nasally repulsive ejection of gas from their backside known as flatulence? Other, of course, than for comedic effect. Has no-one invented a solution?

Actually, yes they have. Under-Ease for one.

Under-Tec sell some lovely (literally) shiny underwear for just this problem. Elasticated at all potential exit holes for air-tightness, there is a triangular gap to guide your unpleasant fart through a magic pocket. This pocket contains an activated-carbon filter, replete with layers of felt, polypropylene and less-than-comfortable-sounding 'spun glass materials'. Result? Odourless outputs. Silent-but-violent is now an impossibility.

It's not just less than comfortable sounding to be fair. Maybe the Poorhouse is being a big girl's blouse, but sitting down wearing the style of undies pictured to the left looks like it could be a bit eye-wincing. But hey, as one of their many scrolling website slogans says "Wear them for the ones you love".