New breakthrough spots deadly methanol without opening bottles

Astrobitica June 23, 2026 (Last updated: June 23, 2026) 1 minute read

Researchers at the University of St Andrews and Adelaide University have developed a new optical technique to detect toxic methanol in alcoholic spirits without opening the bottle. This work, published in the Journal of Physics: Photonics, provides a tool for addressing counterfeit alcohol and enhancing consumer safety globally.

A new optical technique developed by researchers at the University of St Andrews and Adelaide University allows toxic methanol in alcoholic spirits to be detected without opening the bottle. Published in the Journal of Physics: Photonics, this new work offers a powerful new tool for tackling counterfeit alcohol and improving consumer safety worldwide.