"It's a good bet that the very earliest stage of AD memory loss begins when ADDLs attack key synapses in the brain. We predicted some of these ADDLs would leak into the cerebrospinal fluid, but until now we couldn't detect them. Thanks to the extraordinary sensitivity of the BCA it's been possible to validate the prediction, and maybe even set the stage for creating the first clinical lab test for Alzheimer's disease. " -- William Klein, Northwestern University Institute for Neuroscience
Comments from NSF:
"The researchers have pioneered a promising new technology in the emerging area of nanobioengineering. These nanoengineered particles have the capability to effectively interface with biological molecules." ?Sohi Rastegar, a bioengineering expert and the NSF program director who oversees the agency's support of the Northwestern NSEC and several other bioengineering centers.
"This will be a biosensing system with high sensitivity and specificity that can help health professionals diagnose many debilitating diseases. This is particularly important for diseases like Alzheimer's where a reliable diagnostic tool is lacking and early intervention could have a significant impact on the lives of patients and their loved ones, in addition to lowering health care costs." ?Sohi Rastegar