A New Era for Drink Safety: Exploring the Spikeless Stir Stick
"Spikeless Device"A new invention detects whether a drink contains drugs or not, protecting people from being sexually assaulted in public places or being harassed!!
A team of researchers has created Spickles, a stirrer that can detect common psychedelic drugs such as GHB and ketamine in less than 30 seconds.
Thanks to its invisible bioplastic tip that changes color when exposed to these substances, Spickless aims to make nightlife safer without altering the taste or composition of drinks.
It's a simple and affordable solution with the potential for widespread use in clubs, festivals, bars, and other venues where drug use is a concern.
This innovation shifts the burden of preventing evil to individuals and venues, in line with public health strategies that emphasize systemic safety over personal vigilance.
Dr. Johan Foster, the project's lead researcher, said: "If people feel safer because a venue offers Spickles, that's a competitive advantage." As the team prepares for actual testing and marketing, early feedback from hospitality professionals indicates strong support. With April being Sexual Assault Awareness Month, the launch of Spickles is perfectly timed, offering hope for a future where proactive safety measures are the norm.
Source:
https://apsc.ubc.ca/news/2025/new-stir-stick-detects-drink-spiking-in-seconds.