Bath scientists receive £1.3 million grant to develop a portable spice-detection device Apr 22 2021 University of Bath scientists have been awarded a research grant of £1.3 million to develop a portable device to detect the street drug ‘spice’ on the spot. They expect the new technology to be ready for use in clinical settings, prisons and across police services within three years. Dr Chris Pudney with an early prototype of the spice-detection device. Image Credit: University of Bath Despite the serious and increasing public health problem that spice poses in Britain and other countries of the world, there is currently no point-of-care test to tell if someone has recently taken it. At present, testing involves urine samples being sent to a laboratory for analysis, with results being available after three to seven days.