Scientists Created an Artificial Tongue That Can Actually Taste:
Researchers say the new AI-powered electronic tongue works like a human tongue.
It can distinguish between different coffee blends, detect spoiled drinks, and even identify harmful chemicals in water.
The system was built using an ion-sensitive field-effect transistor, which detects chemical ions in liquids and converts this information into electrical signals. These signals are processed by a neural network, an AI model that mimics the way the human brain interprets sensory input. Researchers from Penn State University say the device replicates how our tongue interacts with food and sends signals to the gustatory cortex, the brain region responsible for taste perception.
The researchers also tested the device on real-world samples, finding that it could differentiate between soft drinks, coffee blends, and detect when fruit juice had spoiled, or milk had been diluted. It also identified per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances, which are harmful chemicals that are often found in contaminated water supplies.
This innovation could reshape food quality control, offering a faster, more reliable method for monitoring freshness and safety in beverages and other consumables. It could improve public health by detecting contaminants and harmful chemicals in drinking water.
It could also assist pharmaceutical manufacturing by verifying that liquid formulations meet precise chemical standards. The electronic tongue’s adaptability could make it a valuable tool for ensuring food and beverage safety in various industries.
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