New Biosensor Detects Brain Injuries in Children

Brain injuries due to abuse are one of the leading causes of mortality among infants and small children. One in 3000 children in the USA and UK are victims of severe or fatal inflicted head injuries, according to the January issue of the Journal of Neurotrauma. A new biosensor, patented by Toronto-based Axela Biosensors, might help save some of those lives by assisting police investigating alleged abuse cases.

The biosensor is a tool that detects two proteins that are released when the brain is injured, called neuron-specific enolase and myelin basic protein. A five-year clinical trial to test the biosensor/ bioindicator combination, on a pool of 1,000 children, is in planning stages in the USA.

_Sources:

Hayley Mick. New biosensor gives abused infants a fighting chance. The Globe and Mail, Tuesday July 27, 2007.