Scientists develop electric lollipop to simulate fruit flavors

Researchers at the City University of Hong Kong have created an electric lollipop capable of simulating nine flavors, including sugar, salt, green tea, durian, and passion fruit. The device uses food-grade chemicals embedded in gel pockets, activated by electrical currents that mix with saliva to produce tastes. Intensity is adjustable via voltage, while integrated odor channels enhance the flavor experience. Though limited to one-hour use and resembling a circuit board, the innovation could revolutionize virtual reality, enabling taste in virtual shopping or interactive media like cooking shows. The study is published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.