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Hans India
2 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.
Newsweek
6 days ago
- Politics
- Newsweek
DHS Collecting DNA as Part of Larger 'Massive Surveillance' Effort: Lawsuit
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) alleges a failure to respond to numerous Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests seeking details on how the agency collects, stores and uses the DNA of noncitizens taken into custody as part of a larger "mass surveillance" effort on behalf of the Trump administration, plaintiffs claim. Newsweek reached out to DHS, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), for comment. Why It Matters The lawsuit comes amid a widespread illegal immigration crackdown by the administration that has extended beyond arrests and deportations to stripping humanitarian parole protections from over 500,000 immigrants and preventing student visa holders from attending some American colleges. What To Know The lawsuit was filed June 2 by the Georgetown Law Center on Privacy & Technology, the Amica Center for Immigrants Rights, and Americans for Immigrant Justice. They allege that DHS has not been transparent about its rapidly expanding program of genetic data collection from migrants, including children. The FOIA suit expresses mounting concerns about both the scale and oversight of these DNA practices. "It is a mistake to think of DHS's DNA collection program as 'immigration enforcement,'" Emily Tucker, executive director at the Center on Privacy & Technology at Georgetown Law, said in a statement. "Trump is using immigration powers to justify the activities of his militarized federal police force because there is so little institutional or judicial oversight or accountability for executive enforcement actions that invoke 'immigration authority.' "This program is one part of a massive surveillance dragnet that sweeps in information about everyone. They will use it for deportation, but they will also use it to intimidate, silence and target anyone they perceive as the enemy." The lawsuit seeks injunctive relief due to the multiple federal agencies purportedly failing to respond to FOIA requests in a timely fashion, combined with a failure to disclose requested documents within the time prescribed by FOIA. A police employee tests Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) on a saliva sample for criminal analysis. A police employee tests Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) on a saliva sample for criminal analysis. Getty Images The case stems back to August 2024, when a FOIA request was made to ICE—under the purview of DHS—regarding its practices and procedures pertaining to DNA collection of noncitizens. Back-and-forth email exchanges between the groups and ICE, with a lack of information allegedly provided by the government, concluded last October with ICE failing to respond and make a required initial "determination" within 20 business days of its receipt. Between October and January, similar exchanges occurred between the groups and CBP—which is alleged to have not provided a response after more than 30 working days. A report published on May 21, Raiding the Genome: How the United States Government Is Abusing Its Immigration Powers to Amass DNA for Future Policing, shed light on the dramatic increase of DNA profiles collected from migrants and shared with federal law enforcement. More than 1.5 million migrant DNA profiles have been added to the FBI's Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) since 2020, representing a 5,000 percent in three years. That genetic data is then made searchable by law enforcement across the country, with samples kept indefinitely. That report also claims that DHS "misleads and intimidates people to collect their DNA," and primarily collects DNA from people of color. Stevie Glaberson, director of research & advocacy at the Georgetown University Law Center and co-author of the genome report, told Newsweek on Monday that the Trump administration claims to prioritize transparency but continues to collect DNA "in relative obscurity." "Little remains known about where and how ICE is collecting DNA, even as we have seen numerous examples of the agency grabbing people off the street with masks on and without identifying insignia, and detaining and even deporting US citizens and individuals with a right to remain in the country," Glaberson said. "We filed this suit in the hopes of chipping away at the obscurity in which the administration is carrying out some of its most dangerous programs. "The country deserves to know the details of DHS's DNA collection program." A 2021 report published by the California Law Review cites a disproportionate impact of DNA collection on immigrant and minority communities, sparking significant privacy concerns with little public scrutiny or official explanation. The report followed a 2019 rule change under the Trump administration that removed earlier exemptions for collecting DNA from some noncitizens. It also required regular DNA swabbing in federal immigration detention, including among asylum seekers at legal U.S. ports of entry. What People Are Saying Daniel Melo, Immigration Impact Lab Attorney, Amica Center for Immigrant Rights, in a statement: "As immigration enforcement agencies continue to deploy sophisticated tools to target, surveil, and arbitrarily detain non-citizens, the community most impacted by these policy choices has a right to know how, when, and why genetic material is being taken, stored, and used against non-citizens—potentially indefinitely—simply because they were not born in the United States." Hilton Beckham, assistant commissioner of public affairs at CBP, said in a statement to Wired: "In order to secure our borders, CBP is devoting every resource available to identify who is entering our country. We are not letting human smugglers, child sex traffickers, and other criminals enter American communities... CBP collects DNA samples for submission to the FBI's Combined DNA Index System ... from persons in CBP custody who are arrested on federal criminal charges, and from aliens detained under CBP's authority who are subject to fingerprinting and not otherwise exempt from the collection requirement." What Happens Next The suit claims that the government agencies failed to respond within a timely manner; failed to conduct an adequate search based on the information provided for the FOIA requests; and were "wrongly withholding agency records by failing to produce nonexempt records." The lawsuit seeks a court order compelling DHS to release records related to protocols for DNA collection, storage, access controls and data sharing.
Jordan News
05-02-2025
- Health
- Jordan News
Leishmaniasis: Causes, Symptoms, and Prevention - Jordan News
Leishmaniasis: Causes, Symptoms, and Prevention Leishmaniasis is a parasitic disease caused by the Leishmania parasite, which is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected sandfly. This disease is prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions, particularly in poorer and developing areas. It can cause severe health issues such as skin deformities or damage to internal organs if not treated properly. What is Leishmaniasis? Leishmaniasis is an infection caused by Leishmania parasites, single-celled organisms. The infection is spread by the bite of an infected female sandfly, which lives in tropical and subtropical areas. There are several types of leishmaniasis, including: Cutaneous Leishmaniasis (CL): The most common type, it causes skin sores that leave permanent scars. Visceral Leishmaniasis (VL): The most severe form, affecting internal organs such as the liver, spleen, and bone marrow. It can be fatal if not treated. Mucocutaneous Leishmaniasis (MCL): A rare form affecting the mucous membranes in the nose and mouth, leading to severe disfigurement. How is Leishmaniasis Transmitted? Leishmaniasis is primarily transmitted through the bite of an infected sandfly. These flies live in both rural and urban areas, especially in places with rodents or stray dogs, which act as natural reservoirs for the parasite. When the sandfly bites an infected animal, it picks up the parasite and transmits it to humans during a subsequent bite. Additionally, the disease can be transmitted through blood transfusions or organ transplants from an infected person, though these cases are rare. Symptoms of Leishmaniasis: The symptoms vary depending on the type of leishmaniasis: Cutaneous Leishmaniasis (CL): The disease causes bumps or nodules at the site of the sandfly bite, which develop into open sores or ulcers. These sores can heal on their own but often leave permanent scars. The lesions may persist for months or even years. Visceral Leishmaniasis (VL) (Kala-Azar): Persistent fever. Weight loss and general weakness. Swelling of the liver and spleen. Anemia and low platelet count. If untreated, VL can lead to death. Mucocutaneous Leishmaniasis (MCL): Severe destruction of the mucous membranes in the nose, mouth, and throat. Permanent facial disfigurement. Difficulty breathing or swallowing. Diagnosis of Leishmaniasis: The diagnosis of leishmaniasis is based on clinical examination and laboratory tests, including: Microscopic Examination: A sample from the affected tissue (such as skin or bone marrow) is examined under a microscope to identify the parasite. Serological Tests: These tests detect antibodies against the parasite in the blood. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR): A molecular test used to detect the parasite's DNA. Treatment of Leishmaniasis: Treatment depends on the type and severity of the disease: Antiparasitic Medications: Medications like antimony compounds (e.g., Glucantime) and Amphotericin B are used to treat severe cases of visceral and cutaneous leishmaniasis. Topical Treatments: Creams like Paromomycin are used to treat skin lesions. Surgery: In severe cases of mucocutaneous leishmaniasis, surgery may be needed to repair facial deformities. Where is Leishmaniasis Found? Leishmaniasis is found in specific regions, including: Parts of Asia. Parts of Africa, including tropical and North African regions. Southern Europe. The Middle East. Central America. South America. Some areas of Mexico. Prevention of Leishmaniasis: Preventing leishmaniasis is crucial, especially in endemic areas. Preventative measures include: Controlling Sandfly Populations: Use of insecticides in endemic areas. Proper waste disposal to reduce breeding grounds for sandflies. Personal Protection: Wearing long clothing and using insect repellents when in affected areas. Avoiding outdoor activities during sandfly peak hours (dawn and dusk). Animal Reservoir Control: Controlling rodent and stray dog populations that carry the parasite. Vaccinating dogs against leishmaniasis in endemic regions. Health Awareness: Educating local populations on how the disease is transmitted and how to prevent it. Encouraging people to seek immediate treatment when symptoms appear. Leishmaniasis remains a significant health challenge, especially in tropical and subtropical regions, but through preventive measures and timely treatment, the burden of the disease can be reduced. اضافة اعلان
