Biomarker News and Research

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A biomarker is a biological molecule found in blood, other body fluids, or tissues that is a sign of a normal or abnormal process, or of a condition or disease. A biomarker may be used to see how well the body responds to a treatment for a disease or condition. Also called molecular marker and signature molecule.

Hip fractures may serve as first sign of undiagnosed Alzheimer’s disease

In a study of older people with no clinical diagnosis or signs of dementia when hospitalized to repair hip fractures, Johns Hopkins researchers say they found biomarkers of Alzheimer’s disease in most of the patients’ spinal fluid samples.

26 Feb 2019

Killer T cells may explain inability of immune cells to destroy cancer tumors

Scientists at the University of Virginia School of Medicine have discovered a defect in immune cells known as "killer T cells" that explains their inability to destroy cancer tumors. The researchers believe that repairing this defect could make the cells much better cancer killers.

26 Feb 2019

Mayo Clinic researchers identify gene that may predict pancreatic cancer risk in diabetic patients

Mayo Clinic researchers have identified a gene called "UCP-1" that may predict the development of pancreatic cancer in people with Type 2 diabetes. Their findings are published in Gastroenterology.

25 Feb 2019

New identified biomarker predicts patients who might benefit from HER2-targeted agents

In an effort to further individualize therapy and avoid over-treating patients, researchers at the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center report a new study using PET scans has identified a biomarker that may accurately predict which patients with one type of HER2-positive breast cancer might best benefit from standalone HER2-targeted agents, without the need for standard chemotherapy.

22 Feb 2019

Quanterix to present at multiple upcoming healthcare conferences

Quanterix announced Kevin Hrusovsky, will be presenting and hosting one-on-one meetings with investors at multiple high-profile healthcare conferences.

From Quanterix 21 Feb 2019

New sepsis test could save thousands of lives

Researchers have used a biosensor that can quickly identify biomarkers of sepsis and has the potential to save thousands of lives.

21 Feb 2019

First molecular test predicts treatment response for kidney cancer

Immunotherapy drugs such as PD-L1 checkpoint inhibitors represent the front-line treatment for kidney cancer. But immunotherapy is expensive, benefits only a subset of patients and is futile in the majority of patients.

19 Feb 2019

New map of infant brain may aid early diagnosis of autism

A new map of newborn babies' brains offers details of structure that will provide a new reference for researchers studying both typical brain development and neurological disorders.

18 Feb 2019

Study finds neuromelanin-sensitive MRI as potential biomarker for psychosis

Researchers have shown that a type of magnetic resonance imaging -- called neuromelanin-sensitive MRI is a potential biomarker for psychosis.

18 Feb 2019

Artificial intelligence can accurately predict prognosis of ovarian cancer patients

The artificial intelligence software, created by researchers at Imperial College London and the University of Melbourne, has been able to predict the prognosis of patients with ovarian cancer more accurately than current methods. It can also predict what treatment would be most effective for patients following diagnosis.

15 Feb 2019

New study seeks to understand how colibactin causes cancer

For more than a decade, scientists have worked to understand the connection between colibactin, a compound produced by certain strains of E. coli, and colorectal cancer, but have been hampered by their inability to isolate the compound.

15 Feb 2019

Inflammation in middle age may indicate increased risk of dementia in later life

New research indicates that people suffering chronic inflammation during middle age show a greater decline in cognitive function as they get older.

14 Feb 2019

Blood-based liquid biopsies can accurately track cancer treatment responses

Results of two clinical studies have added to evidence that blood-based liquid biopsies can accurately track lung cancer treatment responses by measuring circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) during immunotherapy and related treatments.

14 Feb 2019

Breakthrough test developed to measure pain

A breakthrough test developed by Indiana University School of Medicine researchers to measure pain in patients could help stem the tide of the opioid crisis in Indiana, and throughout the rest of the nation.

14 Feb 2019

New DNA methylation GrimAge tool allows you to predict lifespan and healthspan

The Grim Reaper arrives for each of us eventually--wouldn't it be nice to know when? Now UCLA researchers have developed a new tool to help you plan ahead for your date with the Angel of Death.

13 Feb 2019

New diagnostic technique reveals key protein biomarker for bladder cancer

Label-free digital pathology using infrared imaging with subsequent proteomic analysis for bladder cancer has revealed the first protein biomarker for BC. AHNAK2 differentiates between chronic cystitis (inflammation of the bladder) and a non-muscle invasive-type BC (carcinoma in situ) which is challenging to diagnose.

12 Feb 2019

New PET imaging agent may help measure efficacy or failure of hormone therapy for breast cancer

Physicians may soon have a new way to measure the efficacy or failure of hormone therapy for breast cancer patients, according to new research published in the February issue of The Journal of Nuclear Medicine.

12 Feb 2019

Immunotherapy may be better than chemotherapy for Merkel cell carcinoma

The first study of the immunotherapy drug pembrolizumab as the initial treatment for patients with a rare but aggressive form of skin cancer known as Merkel cell carcinoma reports better responses and longer survival than expected with conventional chemotherapy.

11 Feb 2019

Blood cells could hold the key to aging

Blood cells could hold the key to aging, according to new research out of Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine.

8 Feb 2019

RNAs are involved in protein aggregation and neurodegenerative diseases, research reveals

New research reveals RNAs, which are crucial for cells to produce proteins, are also involved in protein aggregation, where proteins do not fold properly and 'clump' together into aggregates. If cells cannot clear these away, they become toxic and prevent cells working properly.

8 Feb 2019