India, Sept. 1 -- image credit- shutterstock

Scientists at theIndian Institute of Technology Guwahati(IIT-G) have developed a novel sensor from milk protein and thymine that can detect mercury and tetracycline antibiotics contamination in water.

With rapid urbanisation, industrial activities, and overuse of pharmaceuticals, water contamination is becoming a pressing issue, putting ecosystems and human health at risk worldwide.

Tetracyclines is a class of antibiotics commonly used for pneumonia and respiratory infections. If it is not disposed properly, it can easily enter the environment contaminating the water which can result in antibiotic resistance and other health hazards. Similarly, mercury, in its organic form, can cause cancer,...