Scientists invent 'world's greenest party balloon'

Scientists in London have developed what they believe to be the world's first fully biodegradable party balloon, according to researchers at Imperial College London. Standard balloons can take years to break down and may release harmful chemicals, but the new balloon, called Bioloon, degrades within nine months. The project was partially funded by a party planner concerned about the environmental impact of balloon litter on marine wildlife.

The Bioloon is nearly as inexpensive as regular balloons and is easier to inflate. The invention could eventually extend beyond balloons to include gloves, surgical and non-surgical latex, medicinal apparatus, clothing, and even condoms.