"Donald Eagle" > wrote in message
acomip...
>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 average webcam could be programmed to distinguish Pinot Noir from
Chablis, provided of course the programmers know the difference between red
and white wine!
But then I understood that some scientists in that country were better at
developing energy-enhancing preparations ;o) for the athletes of this
planet... But maybe there just gettin' on a different bike!

Yves


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."
>
>