Silicon chip to diagnose Parkinson’s disease

PET scans of PD - Image 1Since ancient times, Parkinson’s disease have never been diagnosed in the laboratory. Diagnosis of the disease has always been based on medical history and neurological examinations; that’s why it’s so difficult to pinpoint it accurately.

But things are finally changing as scientists from Melbourne present a gadget that might replace the traditional, observation-based diagnosis of Parkinson’s: a silicon chip half the size of a matchbox. Relying on saliva samples and genetic history of the disease, doctors might just be able to use this gadget to correctly predict if you are going to be in a wheelchair in 10 years due to neurological disorders.

Aussie scientists have only started trials of this low-cost method of testing for genes for involvement Parkinson’s disease. If successful, this US$ 500 genetic test would replace current technology costing US$ 4000. The researchers will enlist 400 young Parkinson’s sufferers, or people with family history of the disease, to test the accuracy of the device.

Dr. Justin Rubio of Howard Florey Institute, leader of the team researching on the gadget, believes that it’s potential is huge and hopes that the chip will be validated and then marketed internationally in the next few years. Parkinson’s Australia acting chief executive Roger Norton said that such a technology could bring huge relief for those worried about what is wrong with their health and suspecting Parkinson’s. 

We say kudos to the Aussies for coming up with idea for such a gadget. It may still take long for humans to actually find an at-a-glance way of diagnosing and curing Parkinson’s disease but it looks like we’re getting there.

Via News.com.au

PET scans of PD - Image 1Since ancient times, Parkinson’s disease have never been diagnosed in the laboratory. Diagnosis of the disease has always been based on medical history and neurological examinations; that’s why it’s so difficult to pinpoint it accurately.

But things are finally changing as scientists from Melbourne present a gadget that might replace the traditional, observation-based diagnosis of Parkinson’s: a silicon chip half the size of a matchbox. Relying on saliva samples and genetic history of the disease, doctors might just be able to use this gadget to correctly predict if you are going to be in a wheelchair in 10 years due to neurological disorders.

Aussie scientists have only started trials of this low-cost method of testing for genes for involvement Parkinson’s disease. If successful, this US$ 500 genetic test would replace current technology costing US$ 4000. The researchers will enlist 400 young Parkinson’s sufferers, or people with family history of the disease, to test the accuracy of the device.

Dr. Justin Rubio of Howard Florey Institute, leader of the team researching on the gadget, believes that it’s potential is huge and hopes that the chip will be validated and then marketed internationally in the next few years. Parkinson’s Australia acting chief executive Roger Norton said that such a technology could bring huge relief for those worried about what is wrong with their health and suspecting Parkinson’s. 

We say kudos to the Aussies for coming up with idea for such a gadget. It may still take long for humans to actually find an at-a-glance way of diagnosing and curing Parkinson’s disease but it looks like we’re getting there.

Via News.com.au

Add a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *