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IIT Guwahati Develops Affordable Clay-Based Method for COVID Detection

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As India faces a new surge in COVID-19 cases, with active infections exceeding 5,000, researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati have introduced an innovative method for detecting the SARS-CoV-2 virus. This approach provides a timely and cost-effective alternative to traditional diagnostic methods.

The breakthrough, published in the journal *Applied Clay Science*, is based on the simple principle of sedimentation. Researchers found that the speed at which a clay-virus-electrolyte mixture settles can effectively indicate both the presence and concentration of viruses, including SARS-CoV-2.

Unlike conventional testing methods, such as RT-PCR, antigen, and antibody assays—which can be expensive and resource-heavy—this new technique is both accessible and affordable, making it especially beneficial for low-resource settings.

Central to this innovation is Bentonite clay, a natural substance known for its pollutant-absorbing properties and its ability to bind with organic materials. The clay’s unique negatively charged structure allows it to interact effectively with virus particles. Previous studies indicated its affinity for bacteriophages and other viruses, leading to this diagnostic application.

In their investigation, the IIT Guwahati team analyzed how Bentonite clay interacts when combined with virus surrogates and the Infectious Bronchitis Virus (IBV) in a controlled saline environment. Conducted at room temperature with a neutral pH of 7, the experiments demonstrated that viruses adhered to the clay particles, significantly altering the sedimentation behavior in measurable ways.

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“Imagine detecting viruses simply by observing the rate at which clay settles in water—that’s the essence of our discovery,” said Prof. T.V. Bharat from the Civil Engineering Department at IIT Guwahati. “By monitoring this process, we can not only identify the presence of viruses like SARS-CoV-2 but also accurately estimate their concentration.”

He continued, “This method can transform how we detect viral outbreaks—it’s faster, cheaper, and still precise. This is a significant advancement for public health systems, particularly during global health emergencies.”

The research team validated that the clay-based detection method exhibited high accuracy in comparison to established testing protocols, enhancing confidence in its reliability. Due to its simplicity and scalability, this approach shows great potential for rapid screening in rural and underserved communities, particularly in future pandemic readiness efforts.

This development comes at a critical time as health authorities remain vigilant amid the current rise in cases. Innovations like IIT Guwahati’s clay-based test could alleviate strain on healthcare systems and enhance early detection strategies.

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MBBS Student Alleges She Was Drugged, Raped by Friend in Delhi Hotel

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New Delhi: An 18-year-old MBBS student has accused a 20-year-old male friend of drugging and sexually assaulting her at a hotel in Delhi’s Adarsh Nagar area. The alleged incident took place on September 9, police officials said.

According to the complaint, the accused, who is also a medical student, invited the woman to “Hotel Apple” on the pretext of spending time together. Once there, he allegedly gave her a drink laced with drugs and then raped her.

The survivor told police that the accused recorded obscene videos and took pictures during the assault. He later threatened to make the content viral if she reported the incident.

The woman, a native of Jind in Haryana, is currently staying at the hostel of Baba Saheb Ambedkar Medical College in Rohini, Delhi.

Based on her complaint, police have registered a case under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code. A search is underway to locate and arrest the accused, officials added.

In a separate case earlier this month, a school manager in Uttar Pradesh was arrested for allegedly raping a Class 8 student. In February, a tuition teacher in Delhi’s CR Park area was accused of repeatedly raping a 15-year-old student over three years and threatening her with blackmail.

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8 Patients Dead In Jaipur Hospital Fire

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Jaipur: Eight patients died after a fire broke out at the trauma centre of the state-run Sawai Man Singh (SMS) Hospital in Jaipur late Sunday night.

Officials said the blaze started in the storage area of the Neuro ICU, possibly due to a short circuit. There were 11 patients in the ICU at the time. Smoke quickly spread, causing panic among patients and staff.

Hospital workers and attendants tried to rescue patients, even moving them out on their beds. Firefighters controlled the blaze in about two hours.

Families of the victims alleged that hospital staff ignored early warnings about smoke and fled during the fire.

Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma and other ministers visited the hospital to review the situation and assured a detailed probe into the incident.

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75-Year-Old Man Marries 35-Year-Old, Dies Before Honeymoon

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Uttar Pradesh: A 75-year-old man who remarried in search of companionship died barely hours after his wedding, sparking shock and speculation in his village.

The deceased, identified as Sangruram, a resident of Kuchhmuchh village in Jaunpur district, had been living alone after losing his first wife a year ago. With no children, he supported himself through farming. Despite advice from relatives against remarriage, Sangruram wed 35-year-old Manbhavati, a resident of Jalalpur area, on Monday, September 29.

The marriage was first registered in court, followed by traditional rituals at a local temple. According to Manbhavati, the couple spent most of the wedding night conversing, as Sangruram assured her that she would take responsibility for the household while he would “take care of the children.”

However, by the next morning, his health deteriorated suddenly. He was rushed to hospital, where doctors declared him dead.

The unexpected death has triggered varied reactions in the village. While some residents believe it to be a natural occurrence given his age, others have expressed suspicion about the circumstances.

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Relatives, including nephews residing in Delhi, have halted funeral rites until their arrival. They have also raised questions about whether a police inquiry or post-mortem examination will be conducted before the cremation.

Authorities have yet to issue an official statement regarding further investigation.

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