IISER Pune team develops 20-min Covid, Zika test that doesn't need lab for results
1
2
3
Pune: A team of researchers from IISER, Pune, have developed a method to enhance sensitivity of RNA "biosensors", which, when mixed with viral samples of Covid or Zika, can produce a colour signal to indicate or rule out infection, within 20 minutes.
The team said the boosting method can be used to create low-cost diagnostic devices that can be quickly transported to regions where there are few labs, personnel or specialized equipment to screen populations. Mass testing was a challenge during the Covid pandemic when scores of districts — especially during 2021's second wave — reported severe shortages of RT-PCR kits, considered the "gold-standard" for reliable Covid diagnoses.
"But RT-PCR machines were not readily available and were centrally located," said Chaitanya Athale, who was part of the IISER team that developed the new method. "Plus, you needed someone to collect samples, run it on the machines and then interpret the results. That's when we saw the need for a low-cost and decentralized test that can be deployed in areas without advanced infrastructure," Athale said.
In many viruses, genetic information is stored in the form of RNA, similar to what DNA is for humans.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
USDJPY đang đi lên không?
IC Markets
Đăng ký
Undo
Covid, Zika and Ebola are all RNA viruses. The IISER team developed a modified synthetic RNA sequence known as a 'toehold switch' in the lab, which reacts when it comes in contact with viral RNA to change colour —visible to the naked eye — on a small paper disc. With advances in technology, the team was able to reach detection limits of one picomolar (10 raised to -12).
Picomolar is a unit of concentration commonly used to quantify a certain substance in a solution.
"PCR, by comparison, is much more sensitive, but this method can be used by a minimally trained technician with test results landing in about 20 minutes," Athale said. RT-PCR test results may take a day or two to show, but the time also depends on how burdened a lab is.
Currently, IISER's prototype test works only for Covid and Zika swab samples. A sample dropped onto two discs that will light up accordingly — one, both, or neither — depending on what's present.
The test showed consistent results in IISER's lab in Pune and Chile, where partner scientists helped to develop the test.
The Pune researchers said regulatory approvals and funding would be needed to take the test to clinics, where it can be tested further. "We've exhausted our grants, but we have manpower. Essentially, we have the people and hope to get the support," Athale said.
Others who were part of the test's development team were Tanvi Kale and Rudvi Pednekar. The team's study published in ACS Synthetic Biology, was in collaboration with research teams of Dr Keith Pardee (University of Toronto, Canada) and Dr Fernán Federici (Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Chile).
Follow more information on
Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad here
. Get
real-time live updates
on rescue operations and check
full list of passengers onboard AI 171
.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
29 minutes ago
- Time of India
Over 100 marine megafauna struggle for survival, despite global protections
Source: The oceans are home to iconic marine megafauna , including majestic whales, ancient turtles, agile seals, and powerful sharks. These incredible water creatures sit at the very top of the ocean food webs, playing a crucial role in maintaining balanced and healthy marine ecosystems. But now, over 100 marine megafaunal species are facing mounting threats as increasing human pressure dramatically reshapes their home—the vast and fragile ocean environment. According to recent research conducted by the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) and the Australian National University (ANU) has carefully tracked the movements of these megafaunal species throughout the oceans to pinpoint the most important areas that require urgent and focused conservation efforts. About marine megafaunal species Marine megafauna are the giants of the ocean—large animals like whales, dolphins, sharks, sea turtles, and giant rays. These creatures aren't just beautiful and captivating; they're essential. They play critical roles in maintaining the health of marine ecosystems. Their presence supports biodiversity and helps oceans function as stable, resilient ecosystems. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Fastest Selling Plots of Mysore from 40L | 40+ Amenities PurpleBrick Learn More Undo Sea creatures like whales help circulate nutrients by diving deep and then surfacing to breathe, effectively stirring the ocean layers. Sea turtles keep seagrass beds healthy by grazing. Despite their importance, these marine megafauna face mounting threats from human activity. Overfishing, ship strikes, entanglement in plastic waste, noise pollution, and habitat loss all harm marine animals. Many of these animals are long-lived and slow to reproduce, so their numbers can't quickly bounce back once harmed. Climate change compounds these challenges by warming waters and disrupting migration and breeding patterns. Efforts to protect endangered marine megafauna According to reports, Sequeira in 2020 launched the MegaMove project, which aims to unite the marine movement ecology community to confront the urgent challenges facing ocean life. Sequeira said, 'MegaMove brings together an international network of researchers to provide innovative research to advance the global conservation of marine megafauna.' She explained, 'Our research shows that, in addition to protected areas, implementing mitigation strategies like changing fishing gear, using different lights in nets, and creating traffic schemes for ships will be key to alleviating current human pressure on these species.' Hidden routes of the big ocean creatures Currently, marine protected areas (MPAs) cover just eight percent of the world's oceans. However, the UN High Seas Treaty aims to expand that coverage to 30 percent. This new study shows that while the 30 percent goal is important, it may not be enough. The research team tracked animal movements to find areas critical for feeding, breeding, and migration. 'The impacts of a changing ocean on marine megafauna are already evident,' said Camrin Braun, assistant scientist and ocean ecologist at WHOI. 'Our recent work tracking marine predators, including an earlier WHOI-led study, indicates that changes in the ocean are expected to fundamentally alter the status quo for where these species are and how they live.' Getting ready for a changing ocean The study connects closely with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 14, which focuses on life below water. By combining large-scale tracking data and coordinated international efforts, this research offers a clear path forward—a future where marine megafauna continue to thrive alongside a growing human presence on the seas Also read | Astronomers discover high-altitude clouds darkening skies in YSES-1 system
Time of India
40 minutes ago
- Time of India
The ‘Cardio vs Weights' debate is over: Here's what research says
Whether to hop on the treadmill and run for half an hour, or do a set of deadlifts three times in a row – this confusion has always taken precedence over picking gym clothes and nailing the workout fashion! In fact, for decades, fitness enthusiasts have debated the merits of cardio versus weightlifting. Frankly, the debate between cardio and strength training is not about choosing one over the other. Both forms of exercise offer unique and complementary benefits. Incorporating both into your fitness routine can lead to improved cardiovascular health, increased muscle mass, better metabolic function, and enhanced mental well-being. However, recent scientific studies have shed some light, revealing which form of exercise provides what health benefits. Read on to know more. Cardiovascular exercise: Heart health and beyond What is cardio? Cardio, short for cardiovascular exercise, is any physical activity that elevates your heart rate and increases your breathing. It's also known as aerobic exercise or endurance exercise. Cardio helps to strengthen your heart and blood vessels, improve blood flow, and burn calories, leading to improved cardiovascular health and overall fitness. Cardio exercises are aerobic, meaning they utilize oxygen for energy production. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Suffolk: Test Your Hearing Today AudioNova Undo This is in contrast to anaerobic exercises that rely on bursts of energy without oxygen. Examples of cardio exercises include running, swimming, cycling, brisk walking, and dancing. Other cardio exercises include jogging, hiking, stair climbing, and using cardio machines like treadmills or ellipticals. Benefits: Improved cardiovascular health: Regular cardio activities like running, cycling, or swimming enhance heart and lung function, reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke. Weight management: Cardio is effective for burning calories and reducing body fat, especially when performed at moderate to high intensities. Mental health benefits: Engaging in cardiovascular exercise has been shown to alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression, boosting overall mood. Considerations: Muscle mass preservation: While cardio is excellent for fat loss, excessive amounts without strength training can lead to muscle loss over time. Time commitment: To achieve significant health benefits, longer durations of cardio may be necessary, which can be time-consuming. Strength training: Building muscle and metabolic health What is strength training? Strength training, also known as resistance or weight training, is a form of exercise that uses resistance to build muscular strength, endurance, and size. It involves making your muscles work against an external force, which can be your body weight, free weights, weight machines, or resistance bands. Strength training is any physical activity that causes your muscles to contract against an external force, leading to muscle growth and increased strength. By repeatedly working against resistance, your muscles adapt and become stronger. Examples include squats, deadlifts, bench presses, overhead presses, pull-ups, and rows. Benefits: Increased muscle mass: Lifting weights stimulates muscle growth, leading to increased strength and endurance. Enhanced metabolism: Muscle tissue burns more calories at rest compared to fat tissue, so increasing muscle mass can boost resting metabolic rate. Bone health: Resistance training strengthens bones, reducing the risk of osteoporosis and fractures. Improved body composition: Strength training helps in reducing visceral fat, which is linked to various chronic diseases. Considerations: Learning curve: Proper technique is crucial to avoid injuries, especially for beginners. Equipment access: Effective strength training often requires access to equipment or weights. Research insights A study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine found that individuals who engaged in both aerobic and resistance training had a 41% reduction in the risk of all-cause mortality, compared to those who did either exercise alone. On the other hand, strength training has been shown to elevate resting metabolic rate for up to 48 hours post-exercise, aiding in weight management. Moreover, research indicates that combining cardio and strength training leads to greater fat loss and muscle gain compared to doing either exercise alone. Combining cardio and strength training: A synergistic approach Integrating both cardio and strength training into your fitness regimen can provide comprehensive health benefits. Studies have shown that combining these exercises leads to improved cardiovascular health, increased muscle mass, and better overall fitness. However, there are some considerations to keep in mind, such as: women may experience greater health benefits from shorter durations of exercise compared to men, due to physiological differences. Additionally, strength training is particularly beneficial for older adults, as it helps maintain muscle mass, bone density, and functional independence. Blake HIDING Something? Lively REFUSES To Submit As Justin Baldoni's Team RAISES Eyebrows One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Iran targets Israeli security's brain, hits Weizmann Institute of Science with missiles, destroys labs
A missile fired by Iran struck the prestigious Weizmann Institute of Science in Rehovot, also considered the 'technological backbone' of Israel's security sector, sparking a fire and causing significant damage to a laboratory building on campus, Israeli officials confirmed early Sunday(June 15). According to the report, "at least one building containing laboratories" was on fire. The attack occurred amid a broad Iranian missile and drone barrage in retaliation for Israeli strikes earlier in the week on key military and nuclear sites in Iran. Emergency responders quickly arrived at the scene, containing the fire before it could spread further across the historic research institution. Play Video Pause Skip Backward Skip Forward Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration 0:00 Loaded : 0% 0:00 Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 1x Playback Rate Chapters Chapters Descriptions descriptions off , selected Captions captions settings , opens captions settings dialog captions off , selected Audio Track default , selected Picture-in-Picture Fullscreen This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Opaque Semi-Transparent Text Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Caption Area Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Drop shadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Bangladesh: Unsold Sofas at Bargain Prices (View Current Prices) Sofas | Search Ads Search Now Undo While no casualties have been officially confirmed at the Weizmann Institute, Hebrew-language media reports indicate that emergency crews were still investigating whether people might be trapped inside the affected building. The Weizmann Institute Live Events The Weizmann Institute, founded in 1934 and known globally for breakthroughs in chemistry, biology, and artificial intelligence, had never before sustained direct damage in a military conflict. According to The New York Times, images reviewed by the publication show at least one laboratory building ablaze following the strike. This rare and symbolic hit to civilian infrastructure comes as part of a larger and rapidly escalating conflict between Israel and Iran. Just two days earlier, Israeli aircraft reportedly struck more than 100 Iranian targets, including facilities linked to uranium enrichment. Iran's response came swiftly. The Saturday night barrage included over 150 ballistic missiles and drones. Israeli defense systems intercepted most, but several broke through. In addition to Rehovot, major impacts were reported in Bat Yam, where at least six people were killed, and dozens remain trapped in the rubble of a collapsed apartment building. Four members of one family died in northern Israel after a missile strike on their home in Tamra. The Israeli military has not confirmed whether the Weizmann Institute was specifically targeted or struck by accident. Nonetheless, the damage has sparked alarm in the scientific and academic communities. As of Sunday morning(June 15), Israel's airspace remains closed, and officials are still working to bring back stranded citizens abroad. The IDF has advised civilians near weapons manufacturing zones in central Israel to evacuate immediately as the threat of further strikes remains.
