Algorithm predicts bitterness from mass spectra data alone

Cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli and Brussel sprouts

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New tool could find use in food science and drug development 

A new algorithm can predict the bitterness of a compound using only mass spec data, without knowing the chemical’s structure. The team from Hebrew University in Jerusalem says this new tool, dubbed BitterMasS, could streamline compound screening processes in food science, drug development, metabolomics, and other areas. The scientists also say it marks a significant improvement over traditional methods that rely on structural data.