Such a thin layer alters the current flow in a way that reduces the current's susceptibility to magnetic interference.

ECONOMIST: Superconductors are starting to become useful

Mizuno reckons that by reducing friction, keeping the flow orderly and delaying separation of the boundary layer, its new suits offer the average female swimmer 9.5% less drag than a conventional costume.

ECONOMIST: The turbulent world of swimming

The resin within the carbon layers is laced with lithium ions, so that each layer acts like an electrode, causing the positively charged lithium ions to collect in one layer when a voltage is applied, and a current to flow when the sandwich is placed in a circuit.

ECONOMIST: Carbon-composite batteries