Scientists create ‘e-Taste’ device that could add flavour to virtual reality experiences

Sharing smells or tastes remotely has proved to be a challenge for scientists. Photograph: JohnnyGreig/Getty Images

If your colleague bores you to tears with pictures of their lunch, then a new gadget could make your life even worse.

Scientists have developed a device to recreate the flavours of food and drink, allowing them to be shared remotely in a matter of seconds – but they have not yet cracked spicy food.