Engineering eye: December 2015

News, rumours and gossip from the world of engineering

Calling all part-time tinkerers and garden-shed hobbyists: the BBC needs you. Eye was informed that the broadcaster is on the hunt for Britain’s most passionate inventors, makers and engineers for its new BBC Two series: Britain’s Most Spectacular Backyard Builds. So those PE readers who spend their spare waking hours building a miniature steam loco in the garage or a homemade nuclear reactor in the gazebo (you know who you are), get in touch with the Beeb at www.bbc.co.uk/showsandtours/takepart/. However, if you want your five minutes of fame you’d best hurry as applications close on 18 December.

Forget turning water into wine. American inventors have found a way to make cheap wine taste like a fine vintage. Their ‘sonic decanter’ uses ultrasonic waves to speed up the ageing process of cheap plonk by breaking down its preservatives and transforming it into something much more quaffable. According to its inventors Michael Coyne and Charles Leonhard, it works in just 20 minutes and softens tannins to achieve superior flavour and aroma. Users are able to set a run time for the device to suit their palette: rosé, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay for 10-15 minutes, and 10-25 minutes for Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah. The decanter can also “reinvigorate” wines that have been left in an open bottle for a few days. Sounds like an ideal Christmas present.

• If you have any news, rumours or gossip, email engineering.eye.profeng@gmail.com