In South Korea, a new development: a transformative temporary tattoo that alerts users if they've been drugged, through a color change.
In a groundbreaking development, a team of researchers in South Korea has created a temporary tattoo that can detect the presence of the date-rape drug gamma hydroxybutyrate (GHB) in drinks. The tattoo, resembling a decorative sticker, is embedded with chemical sensors that change color when they come into contact with GHB.
The tattoo is designed to be discreet and unassuming, with designs similar to commercial tattoos. It is manufactured using a cost-effective process, making it an affordable solution for the public. When a user dips a finger into their drink and then touches the tattoo, if GHB is present, the tattoo immediately changes color from yellow to red, signaling that the drink has been spiked. This color change happens in less than one second, providing an almost instant alert.
The tattoo's result can be seen for up to 30 days after detection, which could be important for manipulation evidence. It works across various beverages, including coffee, beer, whiskey, vodka, and soju, the popular Korean alcoholic drink.
The tattoo's chemical receptor turns red when it detects GHB, a drug known as "liquid ecstasy." GHB is colorless and odorless and is often used in bars to facilitate sexual assaults or robberies. The drug can cause severe alcohol intoxication, making consumers extremely vulnerable to unconsented sexual relations or other crimes.
The study was funded by several Korean organizations, including the National Research Foundation of Korea, the National Research Council of Science and Technology, the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, and the National NanoFab Center. The tattoo's potential as a preventive method against GHB-facilitated crimes has been highlighted by the researchers.
Although the tattoo is not currently available for public use, it is expected to be marketed soon, offering a practical and affordable anti-rape tool to help people protect themselves from drink spiking in social settings. The researchers emphasize that the tattoo's rapid response time and discreet design make it an effective solution for detecting GHB in drinks, providing peace of mind for consumers.
[1] [Article published in the scientific journal ACS Sensors] [2] [Further information about the study can be found in the article] [3] [Sources for the information provided in this article] [4] [Images of the tattoo and its design are available for press use]
The innovative tattoo, developed for health-and-wellness purposes, detects medical-conditions like the presence of GHB, a dangerous substance typically used in crimes facilitated by world events such as date rape. This technology, funded by various Korean organizations, represents a significant advancement in science, potentially offering a practical and affordable tool for public safety.
