Food in space tastes really bad. Scientists use virtual reality simulation to find out why [Video]

Not all foods taste the same in space as on Earth. A team of scientists from RMIT University is working to change that. The group recently published a study examining how the smell of food changes in space-like environments. Their findings could help improve astronauts’ diets. It could also benefit individuals in isolated conditions on Earth, such as nursing home residents.

“One of the long-term aims of the research is to make better-tailored foods for astronauts, as well as other people who are in isolated environments, to increase their nutritional intake closer to 100%,” said lead researcher Julia Low from the RMIT School of Science.

In space, astronauts often report that their food tastes bland, leading to reduced nutritional intake. The study, published in the International Journal of Food Science and Technology, explores how people perceive familiar …