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New Urine Test Developed to Identify Autism Risk in Children

New Urine Test Developed to Identify Autism Risk in Children

Scientists at Arizona State University have developed a new urine test that may help identify children at risk for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) earlier than current methods. The test measures 17 microbial metabolites in the urine, which are small molecules produced by gut microorganisms. The study found that children with autism had elevated levels of specific metabolites, which could distinguish them from typically developing children with high accuracy. This new screening tool, called the Microbially-Derived Metabolite (MDM) System, could lead to earlier diagnosis and intervention, potentially improving long-term outcomes for children with autism.
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Arizona State University Develops Urine Test to Identify Autism Risk in Children

Arizona State University Develops Urine Test to Identify Autism Risk in Children

Researchers at Arizona State University have developed a new urine test that may help identify children at risk for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) earlier than current methods. The test, known as the Microbially-Derived Metabolite (MDM) System, measures 17 microbial metabolites in the urine of children aged 2 to 11. These metabolites are small molecules produced by gut microorganisms. The study, published in Molecular Psychiatry, found that children with autism had elevated levels of specific metabolites, which could distinguish them from typically developing children with high accuracy. The test showed 90% sensitivity and 100% specificity in trials, meaning it correctly identified 90% of children with autism and did not misidentify any children without autism. This development could lead to earlier diagnosis and intervention, potentially improving long-term outcomes for children with autism.
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Study Develops Diagnostic Screening Test for Autism Using Microbial Metabolites

Study Develops Diagnostic Screening Test for Autism Using Microbial Metabolites

A recent study has developed a potential diagnostic screening test for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) by analyzing microbially-derived metabolites (MDMs) in urine samples. Conducted by researchers from Arizona State University and Harvard Medical School, the study involved 52 children with ASD and 47 typically developing (TD) children, aged between 2 and 11 years. The research utilized a two-phase approach: an initial semiquantitative analysis followed by a quantitative analysis. The study identified over 600 metabolites that differed significantly between the ASD and TD groups, with a focus on those derived from microbial modification of amino acids like tryptophan, phenylalanine, and tyrosine. The findings suggest that a distinct ASD phenotype involving gut dysbiosis may exist, potentially influencing neurodevelopment via the gut-brain axis.
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American Cancer Society Recommends Blood Test for Colorectal Cancer Screening

American Cancer Society Recommends Blood Test for Colorectal Cancer Screening

The American Cancer Society has updated its guidelines to include a blood test as a screening option for colorectal cancer. This new recommendation aims to provide an alternative for adults aged 45 and older who are at average risk and have declined traditional visual or stool-based tests. The Shield test, developed by Guardant Health and approved by the FDA in 2024, detects tumor DNA in the blood with 83% sensitivity for colorectal cancer. However, it is less effective at identifying precancerous polyps. The inclusion of blood testing is intended to increase screening rates, as colorectal cancer has become the leading cancer killer among U.S. adults under 50.
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American Cancer Society Recommends Blood Testing for Colorectal Cancer Screening to Address Rising Cases

American Cancer Society Recommends Blood Testing for Colorectal Cancer Screening to Address Rising Cases

The American Cancer Society has updated its guidelines to include blood testing as a screening option for colorectal cancer. This decision aims to increase screening rates, particularly among younger populations, as colorectal cancer has become the leading cause of cancer deaths among people under 50 in the United States. The new blood test, known as the Shield test, detects tumor DNA in the blood and is recommended for adults aged 45 and older who are at average risk and have not completed or declined other screening methods like colonoscopies or stool tests. Despite its lower sensitivity in detecting precancerous polyps compared to other methods, the blood test offers a less invasive option for those unwilling or unable to undergo traditional screenings.
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Wearable Ultrasound Patch Enhances Monitoring for High-Risk Pregnancies

Wearable Ultrasound Patch Enhances Monitoring for High-Risk Pregnancies

Researchers from Stanford Medicine, the University of California San Diego, and Oxford University have developed a novel wearable ultrasound patch designed to improve monitoring of high-risk pregnancies. This device, which adheres to a patient's abdomen, provides continuous, real-time data on blood flow in the fetus and umbilical cord. The patch aims to address the limitations of current fetal monitoring tools, which often provide only brief snapshots of fetal status and require trained technicians. The new device has been validated in several dozen pregnant patients and shows promise for conditions like intrauterine growth restriction, which affects 10% of pregnancies. The patch is currently connected to a computer via a cable, but researchers hope to develop a wireless version for home use.
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Lupus Research Alliance and Genentech Fund CAR-T Therapy Research for Lupus Treatment

Lupus Research Alliance and Genentech Fund CAR-T Therapy Research for Lupus Treatment

The Lupus Research Alliance, in collaboration with Genentech, has announced the recipients of the Lupus Research Alliance-Genentech Award on Immune Resetting Therapies for Lupus. This initiative aims to explore the potential of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapy in treating lupus, an autoimmune disease affecting millions globally. The research focuses on understanding how CAR-T therapy can induce long-lasting remission by reprogramming the immune system. The awarded projects will investigate the mechanisms behind the therapy's success and its potential to provide durable treatment options for lupus patients. The program provides $150,000 annually for up to two years to support these studies.
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Bob Horner, Former Braves Star and College Baseball Hall of Famer, Passes Away at 68

Bob Horner, Former Braves Star and College Baseball Hall of Famer, Passes Away at 68

Bob Horner, Former Braves Star and College Baseball Hall of Famer, Passes Away at 68
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UMass Chan Receives $1.6M Grant for Safer Gene Therapy Research

UMass Chan Receives $1.6M Grant for Safer Gene Therapy Research

UMass Chan Medical School has been awarded a $1.6 million federal grant from the National Institute of General Medical Sciences to enhance the safety of gene therapy delivery methods. The grant supports research led by Phillip Tai, an assistant professor of genetic and cellular medicine, focusing on adeno-associated viral vectors, a common tool in gene therapy. The research aims to improve the safety of these vectors, which are used to deliver genetic material into patients' cells. While gene therapy is generally safe, there are concerns about the potential for vectors to insert genetic material into DNA in ways that could contribute to cancer. Tai's team will use advanced DNA sequencing to study vector interactions with cells and explore redesigns to mitigate risks.
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American Cancer Society Updates Colorectal Cancer Screening Guidelines to Include Blood-Based and At-Home Stool Testing

American Cancer Society Updates Colorectal Cancer Screening Guidelines to Include Blood-Based and At-Home Stool Testing

The American Cancer Society (ACS) has released updated guidelines for colorectal cancer screening, emphasizing new blood-based and at-home stool testing options. These updates aim to increase participation in colorectal cancer screening by providing more accessible and varied testing methods. The guidelines recommend that average-risk adults begin screening at age 45 and continue until age 75, with a focus on early detection to improve survival rates. The new options include a blood-based test and updated at-home stool tests that detect hidden blood and molecular markers. Despite these new methods, colonoscopy remains the gold standard for screening. The ACS aims to close the screening gap, as over 20 million eligible Americans have not been tested as recommended.
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Metabolic Partners with Roche to Pioneer Early Alzheimer's Detection in High-Risk Patients

Metabolic Partners with Roche to Pioneer Early Alzheimer's Detection in High-Risk Patients

Metabolic, a leader in metabolic and chronic disease management, has partnered with Roche to offer the Elecsys® pTau217 plasma immunoassay as a research tool for early Alzheimer's Disease (AD) detection. This initiative targets patients with metabolic risk factors such as diabetes and obesity, who are at elevated risk for AD. The Elecsys® pTau217 test, a blood-based biomarker, offers diagnostic performance comparable to more invasive methods like cerebrospinal fluid testing and PET imaging. Metabolic's program aims to identify AD pathology early, allowing for timely interventions to prevent cognitive decline. This research will be conducted as a non-interventional cohort study involving 500 participants over 12-24 months, comparing p-Tau217 results with clinical assessments and other biomarkers.
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TOBY's Urine-Based Alzheimer's Test Gains FDA Breakthrough Designation

TOBY's Urine-Based Alzheimer's Test Gains FDA Breakthrough Designation

TOBY's Urine-Based Alzheimer's Test Gains FDA Breakthrough Designation