UBC scientists invent stir stick that detects drugged drinks
VANCOUVER — Researchers at the University of British Columbia say they’re gearing up to start “real-world testing” of a stir stick that can detect if a drink has been spiked with drugs.
The university says in a news release that the device called “Spikeless” was developed in its faculty of applied science, and the inventors hope for widespread adoption to combat drugs being added to drinks and to prevent sexual assaults.
It says the “seemingly ordinary stir stick” can detect drugs such as GHB and ketamine, changing colour if a beverage is contaminated.
Co-inventor Samin Yousefi, a masters student at the university, says the stick is “discreet” compared with similar inventions, such as cups, coasters or straws developed to detect drugged drinks.
