From fashion to function: How nail polish could help prevent sexual assault

We’re semifinalists for K50 startup showcase! Please follow our application at http://t.co/OoMdHOdWUr pic.twitter.com/Le5WCM5D9t

— Undercover Colors (@UndercoverColor) August 14, 2014

A nail polish that detects date rape drugs? That’s what four undergrad students studying materials science & engineering (MSE) at North Carolina State University have set out to make.

Their company, Undercover Colors, hopes to be “the first fashion company working to prevent sexual assault,” according to their Facebook page.

One of the co-founders of Undercover Colors, Ankesh Madan, told Higher Education Works in an interview, “We wanted to focus on preventive solutions, especially those that could be integrated into products that women already use. And so the idea of creating a nail polish that detects date rape drugs was born.”

The project is to create a clear-coated nail polish that changes color when in contact with the chemicals embedded in date-rape drugs such as Rohypnol, Xanax and GHB.

The company is engaging with the public and answering questions through their social media accounts. An Instagram follower had an intriguing question about how the product would work and this is how they responded:

Photo via Instagram @undercovercolors

The company also released a statement on their Facebook page behind the reasoning for their project:

“In the U.S., 18% of women will be sexually assaulted in their lifetime. That’s almost one out of every five women in our country. We may not know who they are, but these women are not faceless. They are our daughters, they are our girlfriends and they are our friends. 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 four students are attending summits and competitions like the K50 Competition put on by Kairos Society, which encourages young entrepreneurs “to focus on the meaningful businesses and innovations that will radically change the world for the better. Not only for our generation, but for the generations to come,” according to their website.

Date rape assault is especially prevalent around college campuses. According to Brown University’s website, “90% of all campus rapes occur when alcohol has been used by either the assailant or the victim.”

Even though the nail polish is an ongoing project and not currently on the market, they are trying to promote their product and the potential impact it can make.

It’s Friday! Have a fun and safe weekend. #nails #nailpolish #fashion #technology pic.twitter.com/6UAH7JxcRI

— Undercover Colors (@UndercoverColor) July 25, 2014

They have received the support of North Carolina State University by allowing the young scientists to conduct lab research at school. Madan also told Higher Education Works that even their main technical advisor, “Dr. Nathaniel Finney from the NCSU Chemistry Department, is a world-wide renewed expert on indicator development and has volunteered his time to help and advice us on prototype development.”

The project gained astounding support on the company’s social media accounts from a variety of people —  from parents, students and even teachers. Donations and more information can be found on their website.