A team of researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati (IIT-G) has developed a portable device to detect bacteria without cell culture or microbiological assays. The hand-held device, with bio-compatible sensor can also diagnose time-critical illnesses such as meningitis researchers said.<br />”<br />”The bacterial infection is a common cause of morbidity and mortality across the world. Despite the development of a range of antibiotics, the challenge continues to lie in diagnosing bacterial infection early on.&nbsp;<br />”<br />”The present techniques are extremely time- consuming. Currently, cells derived from a patient are cultured or grown in laboratories to detect and microanalyse bacteria.<br />”<br />”The new portable device, however, can instantly detect the charges on the cell walls of bacteria. The rapid detection kits are like those used for blood sugar monitoring.&nbsp;<br />”<br />”The research has enabled rapid detection of bacteria, which is not just important in healthcare but also in anti- bioterrorism measures and environmental monitoring.<br />”<br />”The team work has been recently patented as well as published in the July 2019 issue of 'Journal of Materials Chemistry of the Royal Society of Chemistry'.