May I have a word about… lasers and their more unusual uses | Jonathan Bouquet

How to tell a drug dealer from a pastry chef, the scientific way

Science is not my strong suit, but even I know the worth of lasers - eye surgery, sawing James Bond in half. But a recent report suggests myriad uses for these devices, from combating climate change to detecting fake whisky.

According to Dr Robin Head, a scientist at M Squared Lasers, the use of lasers is why "we can suddenly differentiate between white powders. We can tell whether someone might be an international drug dealer or a pastry chef." I don't wish to come over all flat earther, but surely if you moisten your finger, dip it into said powder and taste, you might just as easily be able to tell the difference. Still, it could explain why I keep having such a run of failure with my Colombian yorkshire puddings.

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