MacNN today reports on the release of IOGEAR's new Germ Free Wireless Laser Mouse, which uses a "unique auto-disinfecting surface" to protect users from germs and bacteria. The mouse is designed for use in highly-trafficked public areas like offices, libraries and schools.

Who needs a germ-free mouse? According to a study by the University of Arizona, we all do: the average desk, the study found, harbors 400 times more bacteria than the average toilet seat.

Let me say that again: the average desk has 400 times more bacteria than the average toilet seat.

"The outer shell of IOGEAR's new Germ Free Wireless Laser Mouse is covered in nanocoating, consisting of titanium oxide and silver nanoparticles that can prevent or deactivate bacteria with 99% efficiency," according to a company statement. "The titanium oxide attracts water and oxygen molecules. When these molecules are combined with the electrons of the titanium oxide and light, free oxygen ion bases are given off. The ions restrain, clean and eliminate parasites while creating water, carbon and oxygen molecules, starting the cleansing process over again."

CNET's Leslie Katz notes that this is just the latest in a series of germ-repelling products. "Last year, Samsung announced a range of washing machines that utilize nano-size silver ions to kill microbes," she writes. "And an Australian company called Nanovations has come up with an antibacterial paint by swirling in silver nano particles."

What does this say about modern society? At Macworld, mournac comments, "Apparently, Howard Hughes' mania has become the norm in the US of A, with the predictable result that Americans get sick very easily whenever they travel away from their antiseptic environment (as opposed to other people, including the Europeans, who don't obsess over germs)."

IOGEAR's press release is here.