NoSUM is a multidisciplinary project that brings together research on Chemistry (from the MODeLiC group) and social sciences (developed by our group, ScienceFlows) with the aim of developing a detection kit for the drink spiking drug GHB in beverages, in which many people contributed with their views and ideas.
The project, carried out from 2021 to 2022, involved the co-design of an easy-to-use, low-cost prototype for the detection of this drug in beverages. To this end, training, awareness and sensitisation workshops on chemical submission were designed. In addition, those who participated in the workshops received a batch of kits to test in real environments and submit data to assess the usefulness, reliability and usability of the system. This part of the project made also it possible to find out the degree of acceptance of the kit by young people.
In parallel to the co-creation and co-design of the kit, an online survey was launched to obtain important socio-demographic results regarding the perception of the risk of being a victim of chemical submission and the use of this type of drugs by young adults.
The kit allows detecting a change in color and/or fluorescence in those drink samples that have been adulterated. The sensor developed by MODeLiC works with both alcoholic and carbonated beverages, even when they are mixed. The kit is currently being improved to facilitate portability and use.
The final goal of the project is to make quick detection kits available to the whole society. However, the data shows that 93% of the victims are women. For this reason, during the development of the project mainly young women between 18 and 28 years old were voluntarily involved.
Funding: 94.198,68 €
Duration: 2021-2022