Standard syringes are a big problem in developing nations, and there have been reports of people scavenging landfills looking for discarded syringes before reselling them to hospitals, leading to infections and in some cases deaths. As a solution to the problem, Dr. David Swann of Huddersfield University has invented a new, non-reusable syringe that could potentially save the lives of 1.3 million people each year.

The Behaviour Changing Syringe features "intelligent ink" will turn the barrel bright red. This reaction occurs 60 seconds after the syringe has been removed from the air-tight container and exposed to the air. The color red was chosen as it is the universal color for indicating danger, making it easier to identify syringes that have been contaminated. And unlike other non-reusable syringes can cost 200% more than standard syringes, these only cost approximately four cents (or about 1% more than the standard). Learn more via the video below:



Other innovative ideas in the works include a bracelet to remind mothers when it’s time for their baby’s next vaccine, and a super-thermos that keeps vaccines cold for up to 30 days in hot climates.