Researchers use new gel-based solution to change taste perception. The gel solution is applied to an electronic device the user presses to their tongue. (Image credit: Meiji University)
When it comes to satisfying cravings, we don’t make the best choices. It’s hard to limit yourself to one cookie if you have a massive sweet tooth. Recent Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) studies have experimented with the idea of Augmented Gustation, altering the taste of food and drinks with utensils that conduct electricity. A research team from Meiji University in Japan proposes a new way to alter taste using a gel solution.
The idea of the experiment is to alter the perception of five basic tastes, like making something taste saltier than it is. Past trials used electric currents and aqueous solutions of NaCl (salty), glycine (sweet), MgCl2 (bitter), citric acid (acidic), and glutamic sodium (umami). Although effective, it presented several issues, such as all five electrolytes dissolving and mixing together. The team purposes using a gel solution to solve these problems.
The gels were prepared by dissolving the electrolytes in separate solutions, which were then hardened to prevent mixing. When the gels are isolated, they can be given a different current intensity to individually control its taste. Since it’s only applied to the tongue, it doesn’t have to be held in the mouth or swallowed like past methods. The gels are then placed on an electronic device called the “Norimaki Synthesizer” that the user holds and presses to their tongue. The taste is adjusted by a controller on the back of the device.
So, does it work? For the most part, yes. Several variables had to be tweaked during testing, such as resistances and the strength of the electrical current. Once these were manipulated, they could easily transition between tastes, such as a sweet taste after presenting a sour taste. They also found the diameter of the tubes affects the taste of the gels. They hope to solve this problem by reducing the tube’s diameter. Still, they remain optimistic that this method will open new opportunities for the HCI field.
One thing that’s never mentioned is how and if this can be used outside of the HCI field. How will this be put into practice? Or is this supposed to help reach a more viable solution? It’s interesting to see how such devices can change our perception of taste. Still, it’s hard to imagine people using this as a way to make healthier food choices.
See the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7HIm4LoAZxU
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