‘Date Rape’ Drug Is Now Detectable By a Fluorescent Sensor

Scientists have created a new, brightly colored way to detect if a drink has GHB, commonly known along with Rohypnol (or roofies) as a date rape drug. Researchers at the National University of Singapore have created a liquid that, when mixed with a beverage containing GHB, changes into a fluorescent color in less than 30 seconds.

GHB can cause unconsciousness and even seizures after being consumed. Like Rohypnol, the drug is colorless, ordorless and tasteless and thus easy to hide in alcoholic drinks. Though people can test for GHB on paper (some campuses are even testing special coasters that can tell if a sample of a drink has GHB when poured on the coaster), the researchers believe this new method will be faster, simpler and more obvious (thanks to the bright orange color your drink turns if tainted).

The researchers plan on creating and marketing a GHB test kit.