Ingredient identifier

An Israeli startup has launched a pocket device that instantly analyzes the composition of food, drink, medication or other objects.

Consumer Physics says its SCiO tool sends data on the chemical makeup of a substance to the user’s smartphone, where a variety of applications will present the results. It is “the first molecular sensor that fits in the palm of your hand,” said Dror Sharon, co-founder of the firm based near Tel Aviv.

Users will be able to see how many calories are in the burger on their plate, what is in their drink or if that jacket is really leather. The SCiO does not need physical contact with the substance being tested because it uses a beam of light in what is known as near-infrared spectroscopy.

Each molecule interacts with light to create a unique optical signature, which can reveal an object’s chemical properties, such as moisture, fat or sugar content.

Agence France-Presse