Imagine using a "dipstick" test to find out if your food is spoiled. If things work out as John Lavigne hopes, it just might be possible. Lavigne, an assistant professor of chemistry and biochemistry at the University of South Carolina, and his research team have developed a polymer sensor that detects biogenic amines, the breakdown products of proteins that are a hallmark of food spoilage. However, some experts are skeptical, saying it would be hard to improve upon good, old-fashioned food hygiene and a sensitive nose. The findings were presented Sunday in Chicago at the American Chemical Society's national meeting....