Latest news with #IIT)Guwahati
News18
3 days ago
- Health
- News18
IIT Guwahati Researchers Use Clay-Based Method To 'Sculpt' Affordable Covid Testing Process
Last Updated: The IIT Guwahati team meticulously investigated how bentonite clay interacts specifically with SARS-CoV-2 Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati have developed an innovative and cost-effective method for detecting SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for Covid-19. This novel technique uses a combination of bentonite clay and saltwater, offering a simpler and more affordable alternative to conventional diagnostic tools such as PCR and antigen tests. Their findings, published in the peer-reviewed journal Applied Clay Science, have the potential to revolutionise virus detection, particularly in resource-constrained settings and for future pandemic preparedness. This groundbreaking method hinges on the principle of sedimentation. Bentonite clay is renowned for its exceptional absorbent properties and its capacity to bind with various substances, including heavy metals and pollutants. Building on previous research suggesting that clay particles could interact with viruses, the IIT Guwahati team meticulously investigated how bentonite clay interacts specifically with SARS-CoV-2. Their research revealed that when the virus is present in a neutral pH saltwater solution at room temperature, it binds effectively with the clay particles. This binding accelerates sedimentation, with virus-laden clay particles settling more rapidly. By observing and measuring this accelerated sedimentation, researchers can accurately determine both the presence and concentration of the virus in a sample. The implications of this discovery are substantial, say some experts. While PCR tests are highly accurate, they are costly, require specialised equipment and trained personnel, and often depend on significant infrastructure, limiting their accessibility in remote or under-resourced areas. Antigen tests, while faster, can be less sensitive than PCR. In contrast, the IIT Guwahati method requires minimal equipment, is inherently affordable, and offers a potentially rapid diagnostic solution suitable for widespread deployment. First Published: June 07, 2025, 04:03 IST
Hans India
3 days ago
- Health
- Hans India
IIT Guwahati's clay sedimentation technique to accurately detect Covid virus
New Delhi: Amid the fresh wave of Covid-19, with more than 5,000 active cases, researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati developed a novel method to accurately detect and measure the amount of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes Covid infection. The innovative approach is based on how quickly a clay-virus-electrolyte mixture settles: a process commonly known as sedimentation. The new technique offers a simple and affordable alternative to the complex and expensive methods like Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), antigen testing, and antibody testing -- currently in use for virus detection. The team used Bentonite clay -- a clay well known for its ability to absorb pollutants and heavy metals due to its unique chemical structure. Previous studies have shown that clay particles can bind with viruses and bacteriophages, making it a promising material for virus detection. In the study, researchers focused on how Bentonite clay interacts with virus particles in a salt environment. The results, published in the peer-reviewed journal Applied Clay Science, showed that a coronavirus surrogate and Infectious Bronchitis Virus (IBV) binds to the negatively charged clay surfaces at a controlled room temperature and a neutral pH of 7. 'Imagine a world where detecting viruses is as simple as watching sand settle in water. That is the breakthrough we have achieved! Our new method uses clay to quickly identify and measure viruses, like the coronavirus,' said Prof. T.V. Bharat, Dept. of Civil Engineering, IIT Guwahati. 'By observing how the clay settles in a solution, we can determine if a virus is present and how much of it there is. This innovative approach offers a faster, more affordable, and accurate alternative to current methods, paving the way for better disease monitoring and treatment strategies, especially during pandemics,' he added. The new technique produced accurate results in comparison to the standard detection methods, reinforcing its reliability. Notably, the method can be extended to detect other viruses such as the Newcastle Disease Virus (NDV), which affects poultry and causes major losses in the farming industry, said the researchers.
The Hindu
16-05-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
HCLTech partners IIT Guwahati to upskill staff in AI
HCLTech, a technology company, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati to offer its employees advanced education in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and related technologies. Under the agreement, eligible HCLTech employees would be offered a four-year online Bachelor of Science (Honours) degree in Data Science and AI, said HCLTech on Friday. This initiative was designed to equip participants with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in the rapidly evolving tech landscape, preparing them for future leadership roles within the company, it further said.
