AUSTRALIA: Scientists develop electronic truffle detector

Australian scientists have invented an electronic "nose" that can sniff out lucrative truffles buried underground. The new electronic probe was developed at the University of New South Wales specifically for use in the food industry. Researchers hope the E-nose will boost Australia's fledgling truffle industry, which is attractive to northern hemisphere buyers as they come into season just as the French stocks are dwindling, and so can sustain supply. Trials of the E-nose at truffle farms in Tasmania showed good results. One grower said the device would eventually replace dogs and pigs that have traditionally been used to sniff out the valuable fungi.