ELECTRIC CHOPSTICKS

Researchers in Japan have come up with a way to enhance the saltiness of a dish, by means of computerised chopsticks. The invention, co-developed by Meiji University professor Homei Miyashita and beverage maker Kirin Holdings, uses a weak electrical current through the chopsticks to transmit ions of sodium from food to the mouth, to create the salty sensation. The researchers say the technology could be a useful tool in helping people reduce their sodium intake. “To prevent these diseases, we need to reduce the amount of salt we take,” said researcher Ai Sato. “If we try to avoid taking less salt in a conventional way, we would need to endure the pain of cutting our favourite food from our diet, or endure eating bland food.” Their plan is to commercialise the chopsticks as early as next year.