Detect

In testing the fluorescent compound, the team observed a difference in the intensity of the fluorescence between the drinks containing GHB and those without (Photo: National University of Singapore)

Fluorescent sensor indicates presence of date-rape drug within 30 seconds

A team of researchers from the National University of Singapore (NUS) has developed a fluorescent sensor which, when mixed with a drink containing GHB, changes color within 30 seconds, potentially alerting people soon after their drink has been tampered with.

Photos of Asteroid 2014AA on a collision course with Earth (Photo: NASA)

Astronomy

Asteroid impact welcomes in the New Year

Earth saw in the New Year with some celestial fireworks with the first asteroid to be discovered this year, 2014AA, likely having impacted the Earth between 7 pm Wednesday and 2 pm Thursday GMT. Though not a rare event, it is only the second object to be detected just prior to striking the Earth.

Paper strips used in toxin detection with progressively increasing number of coatings with carbon nanotubes. Photo: Nicholas Kotov.

Wellness and Healthy Living

Biosensor paper strip test for safe drinking water

A new biosensor paper infused with carbon nanotubes has been developed that can quickly and inexpensively detect a toxin produced by algae in drinking water.

Researchers hope that their software will be able to detect certain objects or people (including Elvis) within videos

Science

Software to detect objects inside videos

Researchers at the University of Missouri are developing software that would enable computers to perform video analysis tasks, such as alerting emergency services if a video surveillance camera detects a person falling and not getting up.