This 'smart' nail polish can help you avoid date rape

It's an idea so simple, it's sheer genius.

 

Meet "Undercover Colors," a nail polish developed by undergrads at North Carolina State University that changes color when exposed to date rape drugs.

 

"While date rape drugs are often used to facilitate sexual assault, very little science exists for their detection. Our goal is to invent technologies that empower women to protect themselves from this heinous and quietly pervasive crime," the company said on its Facebook page.

 

"Through this nail polish and similar technologies, we hope to make potential perpetrators afraid to spike a woman’s drink because there’s now a risk that they can get caught. In effect, we want to shift the fear from the victims to the perpetrators," it added.

 

In the U.S., they said 18 percent of women will likely be sexually assaulted in their lifetime.

 

The nail polish changes color when it comes in contact with date rape drugs such as Rohypnol, Xanax, and GHB.

 

"With our nail polish, any woman will be empowered to discreetly ensure her safety by simply stirring her drink with her finger. If her nail polish changes color, she'll know that something is wrong," the researchers said.

 

An article on BizJournals.com said Undercover Colors is currently raising cash to refine its prototype and pay executives.

 

It said a securities filing showed the four-person company recently raised $100,000 from one investor, and got added cash from competition including the Lulu eGames.

 

"We are early in the R&D stage for this important product," says Tyler Confrey-Maloney, spokesperson for Undercover Colors. — Joel Locsin/TJD, GMA News