New technique to detect early-stage MSPublished: 30 April 2020 Scientists have developed a new technique to diagnose early-stage multiple sclerosis (MS) and distinguish it from a similar autoimmune condition called neuromyelitis optica. Brazilian researchers used a nanobiosensor, which was originally created to detect pollutants like herbicides and heavy metals, and developed a method for watching myelin basic protein peptides when they were put with samples of antibodies from patients. This was observed under an atomic force microscope. If antibodies in the patients’ cerebrospinal fluid are attracted to the peptides, researchers say this indicates a person has MS. The researchers wanted to find a way to diagnose MS quickly because it is usually done clinically based on the symptoms presenting and then an MRI scan to look for lesions. They say that the method they have developed is more accurate and costs less. The earlier someone is diagnosed, the sooner they can begin treatment and hopefully slow disease progression. Other Stories You May Be Interested In... News Number of people living with MS in UK increases View article News Study finds MS may marginally increase cervical cancer risk View article News Antibodies detected in blood of 10% of MS patients years before diagnosis View article