Andrew Sun

Mouthing Off | Tastes from your TV? Scientists invent device that can mimic sugar, salt … and durian

Scientists at City University of Hong Kong have invented a device that can mimic flavours by zapping the tongue with an electric current

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A view of the backside of the lollipop-shaped device invented by researchers at City University of Hong Kong that promises to zap tastes onto your tongue. Photo: PNAS

Andrew Sun

Published: 7:45am, 18 Dec 2024

Last week, researchers at City University of Hong Kong announced something quite remarkable. The scientists claimed we will soon be able to taste food through our televisions because they have invented a lickable virtual-reality device.

The breakthrough was detailed in a paper titled “Miniaturised, portable gustation interfaces for VR/AR/MR” published by a group headed by Dr Liu Yiming of City U’s department of biomedical engineering. VR, AR, MR stand for virtual reality, augmented reality and mixed reality, respectively.

In short, it is a gadget that looks like a lollipop and that is able to send VR taste sensations when electrified. It is already able to mimic flavours including sugar, salt, cherry, passion fruit, green tea, milk and even, er, durian.

I guess at least one of the engineers was Singaporean or Malaysian.

The integrated circuit embedded in the lollipop device. Photo: PNAS

The sensation is apparently generated from food-grade chemicals made from a red algae gel. When a current runs through the device, the chemicals mix with saliva to produce a taste that is more appealing than the sweet metallic tinge you get from licking batteries.

You would have to compensate me pretty well to test live jolts of electricity on my tongue.