At National University of Singapore, a digital lollipop, which simulates taste, is being developed and tested. The lollipop is made of a silver electrode and when placed on the tip of the tongue, it can simulate salty, sweet, bitter, and sour tastes. It is created through alternating currents and changing temperatures which fool our taste receptors. The person in charge of the research hopes that people can eventually use this technology to taste virtual things whether on the phone or computer. The concept is fascinating, but the idea of licking my cell phone doesn't sound appealing at all. Advertisers would love this though as it could allow consumers to really experience a product. The applications can even extend into medicine where diabetics can taste the sugar without spiking their blood sugar levels. The food industry would revolutionize as well - for example, being able to taste what is on a cooking show. The research, however, isn't complete yet with much more to test including adding smells and textures to further trick the mind into believing that it's real. I'm really looking forward to this technology - to be able to taste something without the calories would be amazing.
http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/11/22/getting-to-the-bottom-of-a-digital-lollipop/?ref=technology
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