Researchers have developed a new blood test that measures mitochondrial DNA damage as a potential marker for Parkinson's disease (PD). The study shows the test could aid in diagnosing PD and assessing responses to LRRK2 kinase inhibitors, which may help in reducing mitochondrial damage in PD patients.
In a large-scale study funded by Kings College London, researchers successfully implemented an automated PCR-based testing program for SARS-CoV-2 using saliva samples from asymptomatic students and staff. The system achieved 85% sensitivity and 100% specificity, provided rapid results within eight hours, and offered a cost-effective and scalable approach to community surveillance of COVID-19.