Dry water may soak up CO2

It SOUNDS like a contradiction in terms, but scientists have created "dry water".

The substance resembles powdered sugar and is expected to make a big commercial splash.

Each particle of dry water contains a water droplet surrounded by a sandy silica coating. In fact, 95 per cent of dry water is "wet" water.

One of its key properties is a powerful ability to absorb gases. Scientists believe it could be used to combat global warming by soaking up and trapping the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide.

Tests show that it is more than three times better at absorbing carbon dioxide than ordinary water.