Senomyx has isolated receptors found on cells that detect taste, and added them to the HEK cells.

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In the past 2, 000-3, 000 years, for example, Europeans have undergone changes in the gene for a protein that moves potassium ions in and out of nerve cells and taste buds.

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For instance, Unilever scientists have spent five years working with yeast cells that replicate human taste receptors, and then extracting substances from food to see how they might trigger these receptors.

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PepsiCo scientists grew cultured cells, injected the genetic sequences of the four known taste receptors (leaving out salt) into them, and then hardwired the cells to a computer.

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While associations are known to form based on sight, smell, and other senses -- you may remember last year's baseball game through the taste of a hot dog today, for example -- their computer model shows that the young brain cells also link through time.

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