Publications

The first research to show autism-related dysregulation happens in utero, this twin study investigated biomarkers in baby teeth and found prenatally-formed growth rings distinguished children who would later develop autism. The team even found these distinctions between identical twins, signaling that autism is a genetic AND an environmental disorder.

Conducted in the U.S., Sweden and the U.K., this study explored the impact of zinc, copper and other elements on metabolic dynamics. These signatures helped researchers develop a classification algorithm that predicts autism with 90% accuracy – proof of concept for an advanced diagnostic device.

This work showed that biomarkers can distinguish between autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Though these conditions can display similar phenotypes, the underlying pathology is different, making differential diagnoses essential.

Built on their previous research in teeth, researchers found molecular signals for autism in hair, at birth. While hair and teeth biomarkers carry the same molecular traits, hair can be collected at any age, making it a much better source. Based on this data, the FDA granted Breakthrough Designation to ClearStrand ASD, the only diagnostic test that can detect autism in infants.

This study compared StrandDx-ASD to fMRI measurements in children with and without autism. The researchers found this non-genomic diagnostic identified brain function changes based on biochemical signatures in hair, showing hair biomarkers correlate with quantitative brain function measures associated with autism.