On Aug 15, 12:43*pm, "Donald Eagle" > wrote:
> I thought the appended item from my physics listserv would be of interest to
> AFWers. *An article about the device also appears in today's web version of
> Time Magazine.
> --
> Don Eagle
> To reply personally, drop the Latin "not more"
>
> ELECTRONIC WINE TASTING. Scientists in Spain have developed an
> "electronic tongue" designed to distinguish a good Pinot Noir from a
> cheap Chablis. *The "e-tongue" is designed for wine quality control
> in the field and is based on tiny synthetic membranes on a silicone
> chip. *The device, developed at the Barcelona Institute of
> Microelectronics, can distinguish between four grape varieties and
> its developers are working to extend its ability. *Cecilia
> Jimenez-Jorquera said the device is similar to the human tongue in
> that it is sensitive to five different tastes: sweet, salty, bitter,
> acidic and umami (savory). *The e-tongue can determine the age and
> variety of wine, and eventually might be able to "detect frauds
> committed regarding the vintage year of the wine, or the grape
> varieties used."

An electronic wine taster might be of some interest to gadget geeks.
But I would draw the line at an electronic wine DRINKER!

Dan-O