Labcorp has introduced the Lumipulse pTau-217/Beta Amyloid 42 Ratio test, the first FDA-cleared blood-based diagnostic test for Alzheimer's disease in the US. Developed by Fujirebio Diagnostics, the test detects amyloid plaques using a blood draw, offering a less invasive and more accessible alternative to traditional methods like cerebrospinal fluid testing and PET scans.

Kriya Therapeutics has raised $313 million to advance its gene therapy programs in neurology, metabolic health and ophthalmology. The company's pipeline includes nine programs, with two in clinical development.

The UCLA School of Dentistry and South Korea-based Dongwoon Anatech have partnered on a saliva-based diagnostic technology for early, noninvasive disease detection. Dongwoon Anatech will provide $787,500 annually for three years to support the development of the Electric Field-Induced Release and Measurement platform, which detects molecular targets like cancer mutations in blood or saliva samples.

HydroGraph, Hawkeye Bio and Ease Healthcare are collaborating on a blood test that uses a graphene-based biosensor to detect early-stage lung cancer in primary care settings. The Lung Enzyme Activity Profile test has a 99.8% negative predictive value, potentially increasing screening compliance and accessibility.

Clinical interpretive reports are helping NICU physicians use rapid genomic sequencing to improve care for newborns. The reports make genomic data more accessible, classifying variations and providing actionable information, according to a study in the journal Genetics in Medicine. "CIRs give them more accessible and actionable information, which they can then share with medical colleagues and families," said Dr. Pankaj Agrawal, chief of the University of Miami's Division of Neonatology.

A study found that the basophil activation test is more accurate than skin prick or specific IgE tests for diagnosing cow's milk allergies in children, especially those younger than age 2. Researchers said the test may reduce the need for oral food challenges.

AI models like Evo and regLM are advancing the understanding of the genome's non-coding regions, akin to how AlphaFold revolutionized protein structure prediction. These tools aim to decode the "grammar" of regulatory DNA, which controls gene expression. Despite their potential, challenges remain in accurately predicting gene regulation due to the complexity and variability of genomic sequences. "It's so clear that it's a solvable problem," says Julia Zeitlinger, a developmental and computational biologist at the Stowers Institute for Medical Research in Kansas City, Mo. "But it's not clear how."

Association of American Medical Colleges data showed that NIH research grant commitments have decreased by nearly $5 billion over the past year due to disruptions and slowdowns in the grant-awarding process. The executive branch must allocate all appropriated funds by Sept. 30, but significant amounts remain unused, potentially delaying important research and training.