United KingdomResearchers from the University of St Andrews and Adelaide University have developed a new optical technique using Raman spectroscopy to detect methanol contamination in sealed bottles of alcoholic spirits without opening them. The method uses shaped laser beams to identify methanol's chemical fingerprint while suppressing interference from the bottle's glass and contents. Methanol contamination in alcohol can cause severe health issues, including blindness and death, and recent incidents such as the 2024 Laos tragedy highlight the global scale of the problem. Current testing methods are costly and require lab equipment, but this new approach could enable faster, non-invasive screening for counterfeit or unsafe products. The technique works across various bottle colors and types of alcohol, offering a more practical solution for ensuring consumer safety.
Bias read (Center): The article discusses a scientific advancement related to detecting methanol in alcohol, focusing on technical details and potential applications. There is no mention of political figures, policies, or partisan issues. The framing remains neutral, emphasizing the technological innovation and its non
