Going to a late-night weekend party? Take this flourescent sensor in your purse as it can change the colour of a drink within 30 seconds if it is spiked with a date drug!
Researchers from the National University of Singapore have unveiled a new instant test for the most popular widely-used date rape drug called Gamma-Hydroxybutyric (GHB) or liquid ecstasy.
The flourescent sensor can detect GHB - an odourless and colourless drug - which can take you into a deep slumber once in.
A GHB overdose can cause unconsciousness, convulsions, coma and even death, researchers added.
"When the sensor is mixed with a sample of a beverage containing GHB, the mixture changes colour in less than 30 seconds, making detection of the drug fast and easy," informed professor Chang Young-Tae from department of chemistry at National University of Singapore.
After testing 17 fluorescent compounds, the researchers identified an orange fluorescent compound, called GHB Orange, that changes colour when it is mixed with GHB.
More From This Section
For drinks with water or vodka, the change in colour can be easily detected with the naked eye.
In darker drinks, you need additional lighting to detect the colour change, said media reports.