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A wireless, noninvasive device developed by researchers at UCSD holds promise in the early detection of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. This portable diagnostic system employs electrical detection to identify three specific biomarkers. These are associated with neurodegenerative conditions, and are present in saliva and urine. The device incorporates a high-sensitivity transistor chip utilizing DNA for precise detection. Tests on proteins derived from deceased Alzheimer's and Parkinson's patients demonstrated the device's ability to accurately detect specific biomarkers. Even in the presence of other proteins it only required small samples due to its high sensitivity.
While certain proteins proved challenging to detect individually, combining results for all three biomarkers yielded reliable overall outcomes. Ampera Life, the company who has licensed this technology, is aiming for FDA approval in the next five to six months. They have plans to launch the device for at-home and point-of-care testing within a year. The researchers intend to extend testing to blood and cerebro-spinal fluid before evaluating saliva and urine samples in hospital and nursing home settings.
Current State of Research
The development of a wireless, noninvasive diagnostic device marks a significant stride in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's research. Today, early detection remains a crucial challenge. Both diseases are characterized by progressive neurodegeneration, and early identification can significantly impact treatment efficacy. Currently, diagnosing these conditions often involves costly and invasive procedures. This makes widespread screening challenging. The new device's focus on detecting specific biomarkers in easily accessible bodily fluids opens avenues for more accessible and affordable screening.
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