This week’s Red Folder looks at items of clothing – one that could save lives and others that are just a bit of fun.

First up is a smart bra developed in Nigeria that could detect breast cancer early. Invented by the Abuja-based robotics engineer Kemisola Bolarinwa, the garment uses ultrasound imaging technology to locate potential tumours. The battery-operated rechargeable system comes with mobile and web apps, and it can transmit its findings to a doctor.

The bra has to be worn for at least 30 minutes to complete a scan, which Bolarinwa says can determine whether a tumour is benign or malignant. A local trial of the device suggests that it has an accuracy of about 70% and she is working on boosting this to 95–97%

Bolarinwa is founder of Nextwear Technology – a wearable technology company – and developed the bra after watching her aunt die of breast cancer after a late diagnosis. She says that the smart bra could allow testing to be done at home, eliminating the the need for many African women to make long journeys to access screening services.

Here are a few dodgy physics jokes for you.

“Never trust an atom, they make up everything.”

“You matter…Unless you multiply yourself by the speed of light squared…Then you energy.”

“Think like a proton and stay positive”

Had enough? If not, you can get all those slogans on a T-shirt, plus lots more from Tangoscience. So, if you are keen to get your Christmas shopping done very early this year, have a look.