An Israeli startup has embedded a molecular sensor called Scio in a new smartphone that can analyze any material — whether that’s the nutritional content of an apple or a person’s body fat.

Consumer Physics’ scanners use infrared light to analyze molecular structure. The startup has been developing them for a few years, but this is the first time it’s embedded in a mobile device — one from Chinese phone manufacturer Changhong.

Is that a little too much science to carry around in your pocket?

Consumer Physics CEO Dror Sharon says knowledge is power. He explains, “When we go out and buy stuff, eat stuff, drink stuff, we think we know what’s in there, but we have no clue.”

Pricing and availability for the phone will be announced Friday at the CES gadget show in Las Vegas.—AP

Image: /www.consumerphysics.com/myscio/scio/