A Japanese firm has created what it claims is a world-first "noise-cancelling" fork to mask the sound made by slurping down noodles, dubbed "noodle harassment" on social media.

Foreign visitors to Japanese noodle bars are often startled to hear the locals -- normally so polite and restrained -- noisily slurping down their noodles with lip-smacking gusto.

The tradition is supposed to show the diner's appreciation for the food but some people are becoming bothered by the noise.

Now an instant noodle producer claims to have found a solution to the problem.

Inspired by Japanese toilets, which can be programmed to play an artificial flushing noise to cover embarrassing sounds, Nissin Food Products looked at creating something similar for noodles.

The result was a giant fork -- 4.4 centimetres (1.73 inches) wide and 15.2 centimetres long -- with a sensitive microphone to detect offending slurps.

"We developed a system in which any subtle slurping sound can be detected," said the company.

When the slurp alert is triggered, the fork sends a signal to the user's mobile phone, which plays the soothing sound of flowing water to mask the offending noise.

Nissin will however only sell the gadget if it receives 5,000 pre-orders by mid-December -- at the price of 14,800 yen ($130).

Tweet

McDonald's profits jump on better sales, China deal
New York (AFP) Oct 24, 2017
McDonald's reported a jump in third-quarter profit Tuesday, boosted by better sales in key markets and a one-time infusion of funds from refranchising Chinese and Hong Kong restaurants. Net income for the quarter ending September 30 was $1.9 billion, up 47.7 percent from the year-ago period. That included a gain of about $850 million from the sale of China and Hong Kong businesses to franchi ... read more

Related Links
Farming Today - Suppliers and Technology

Thanks for being here; We need your help. The Space Media Network continues to grow but revenues have never been harder to maintain. With the rise of Ad Blockers, and Facebook - our traditional revenue sources via quality network advertising continues to decline. And unlike so many other news sites, we don't have a paywall - with those annoying usernames and passwords. Our news coverage takes time and effort to publish 365 days a year. If you find our news sites informative and useful then please consider becoming a regular supporter or for now make a one off contribution.
SpaceMediaNetwork Contributor $5 Billed Once credit card or paypal		SpaceMediaNetwork Monthly Supporter $5 Billed Monthly paypal only