the head when moving through the water. The mask is intended to take the place of a cap and goggles. Independent testing at MIRA (The Motor Industry Research Association) shows that the SpeedMask reduces drag around the eye socket region by 53%. The MACH1 swimsuit, designed in Italy by Diana, a professional swimmer, is a perfect example of one of the new technologies that will soon penetrate the market. The line of swimwear, targeted towards competitive swimmers, does not use traditional fabrics or construction methods. The MACH1 is a water-repellent swimsuit made out of silicone, which avoids all water absorption, thus improving performance. The major players in the swimsuit industry will invest highly in efforts to discover the most efficient drag-reducing suits and accessories. High-level performance swimming is expected to become even more expensive as swimmers are forced to pay $400 for suits in order to compete satisfactorily. The large amounts spent on R&D will raise the boundaries to entry by necessitating higher investment in fixed assets. Smaller companies that cannot afford these investments will lose market share, face the risk of bankruptcy and probably end up being bought out by other companies for their valuable brand names. Under the new company management, these small brands will be revitalized and used to target smaller niche markets.Sunbathing-Related Health ConcernsSince the first reports of the thinning ozone layer in the early 1980s, North Americans have become more aware of the health threats related to sunbathing. The thinning of the ozone layer, and the large holes over the poles, allow more of the sun's harmful ultra-violet (UV) rays to enter our atmosphere. The worsening of this situation could potentially have a very significant impact on North Americans attraction to the beach and other related activities that require swimwear. Problems such as skin cancer, premature aging of the skin, cataracts, and...
