New 'date rape' drug sensor

A new sensor that can tell if a drink has been spiked with a "date rape" drug has been developed by a research team from the National University of Singapore.

The liquid sensor changes colour when it detects the presence of the drug known as gamma hydroxybutyric acid, or GHB.

When mixed in a drink that contains a concentration of GHB enough to "affect consciousness" - typically about 1 gram in 100ml - the sensor's fluorescent orange colour will fade visibly. It works in water, red wine, vodka and cocktails.

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