India, July 20 -- A laser-based technology being developed at Adelaide University could soon help authorities detect deadly counterfeit alcohol, expose wine fraud and even identify dangerous chemicals inside sealed bottles - all without opening them.

The breakthrough builds on newly published research conducted at the University of St Andrews in Scotland in collaboration with Adelaide University, demonstrating that a specially designed laser system can detect toxic methanol hidden inside unopened spirit bottles, even through coloured glass.

While the latest study focused on identifying dangerous methanol contamination in whisky and other spirits, Adelaide University researchers are already expanding the technology into new areas that c...