(April 22, 2015) Real
or counterfeit? Northwestern University scientists have invented sophisticated
fluorescent inks that one day could be used as multicolored barcodes for
consumers to authenticate products that are often counterfeited. Snap a photo
with your smartphone, and it will tell you if the item is real and worth your
money.
Counterfeiting is very big business worldwide, with $650
billion per year lost globally, according to the International Chamber of
Commerce. The new fluorescent inks give manufacturers and consumers an
authentication tool that would be very difficult for counterfeiters to mimic.