A Worchester Polytechnic Institute graduate has developed a new type of drinkware that will change colors if it detects the presence of date-rape drugs.
Michael Abramson decided to develop DrinkSavvy after he and some of his friends accidently ingested date-rape drugs at a party. Although some of Abramson’s friends were able to help him get home that night, each year thousands of college kids aren’t as lucky.
In hopes of preventing others from going through a similar experience, Abramson took up the task of developing a product that would inform the user if their drink contained any date-rape drugs. He partnered with a chemistry professor from his university to develop Drinksavvy, a cup that changes colors if it detects the presence of date-rape drugs. You can take a look at a prototype of the cup below:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=07ZkkUJVOlI
Although date-rape drugs are getting more high-tech, Abramson said his device can detect the presence of some of the most common drugs, including:
- Rohypnol
- Gamma-Hydroxybutyric Acid (GHB)
- Ketamine
The cups are the first step in preventing rape and sexual assaults on college campuses, but Abramson doesn’t want to stop there. He hopes to expand his line of drinkware to include straws, stirrers, and even glassware. Abramson said he wants to do his part to prevent sexual assaults, but partygoers should still take steps on their own to remain safe.
“In the end, while our anti-drug rape products are meant to significantly reduce as much as possible the risk of being drug raped, it is still up to you to take the normal precautions,” said Abramson. “Don’t leave your drink unattended, don’t accept opened drinks, if someone buys you a drink make sure you watch the bartender make it, don’t drink from punch bowls, come with friends and leave with friends.”
Abramson says he wants to offer his product to rape crisis centers free of charge, and he hopes some bars will be open to implementing the cups at their establishment.
Related source: IndieGoGo.com
