Health and Me

Ishita Roy

'Three-Parent-Baby' Technique: How UK Is Making Healthy Babies With DNA From Three People To Avoid Genetic Mitochondrial Disease

<span>Mitochondrial Disease</span>: In a groundbreaking development in reproductive medicine, researchers in the U.K. announced that eight healthy babies have been born using an experimental technique involving DNA from three people. 

The method was developed to help prevent mothers from passing on devastating mitochondrial diseases to their children — conditions that can lead to seizures, muscle weakness, organ failure, developmental delays, and even death.

This scientific milestone was detailed in a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine on Wednesday. 

Experts from Newcastle University in the U.K. and Monash University in Australia conducted the procedures, which used a technique known as mitochondrial donation treatment. The technique replaces faulty mitochondria, which are the tiny energy-producing structures in cells, with healthy ones from a donor.

Also Read:<a href="https://www.healthandme.com/parenting/the-dream-of-super-breed-babies-is-becoming-a-reality-in-silicon-valley-babies-are-now-not-just-born-but-selected-article-152293300" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank"> The Dream Of 'Super Breed Babies' Is Becoming A Reality In Silicon Valley, Babies Are Now Not Just Born, But Selected</a>

While most of our DNA is stored in the nucleus of our cells and inherited equally from both parents, a small but vital portion resides in the mitochondria and comes solely from the mother. Mutations in this mitochondrial DNA can lead to serious, and often fatal, genetic disorders in children.

During the in vitro fertilization (IVF) process, it is sometimes possible to detect these mutations early. However, in rare cases, such mutations go undetected — which is where mitochondrial donation becomes important.

In this method, scientists transfer the nuclear DNA from the mother's egg or embryo into a donor egg or embryo that contains healthy mitochondria but has had its own nuclear DNA removed. The resulting embryo contains nuclear DNA from the parents and mitochondrial DNA from a donor — essentially, the genetic input of three people.

<h2>A Scientific First Made Possible by Law</h2>

The U.K. became the first country in the world to legalize mitochondrial donation for clinical use in 2016, after years of ethical and scientific debates. Australia has also approved its use. However, the U.S. still prohibits any clinical research involving genetic modification of human embryos that could be inherited.

“This marks an important milestone,” said Dr. Zev Williams, director of the Columbia University Fertility Center in New York, who was not involved in the study. “Expanding the range of reproductive options will empower more couples to pursue safe and healthy pregnancies.”

As of now, 35 couples have been approved by the U.K.’s fertility regulator to undergo the procedure. Of the 22 patients treated in the reported study, eight babies have been born, and one more woman is still pregnant. Most of the children appear to be free of mitochondrial disease, though one child was found to have a slightly higher-than-expected level of abnormal mitochondria. Experts say this level is not currently cause for concern but will require monitoring.

Despite the involvement of a third person, scientists emphasize that the genetic material from the donor is minimal. Dr. Robin Lovell-Badge, a stem cell expert at the Francis Crick Institute, noted that the donor’s mitochondrial DNA makes up less than 1% of the baby’s total genetic makeup — not enough to influence personal traits like appearance or personality.

“In fact, if you had a bone marrow transplant, you would carry much more of another person’s DNA,” he explained.

<h2>Hope for Families, But Questions Remain</h2>

The technology remains controversial in some circles. Critics warn that the long-term effects of such genetic manipulation are still unknown and could have unintended consequences for future generations. In the U.S., Congress has repeatedly blocked any government funding or approval of similar research.

Still, for many families, the promise of avoiding a life-threatening diagnosis is worth the risk.

Liz Curtis, whose daughter Lily died of mitochondrial disease in 2006 at just eight months old, now advocates for awareness and research. She founded the Lily Foundation in her daughter's memory and supports the work being done at Newcastle University.

Curtis said the diagnosis devastated her family. “Nobody could tell us what it was or how it would affect Lily. It was just a waiting game,” she recalled. “This new technique gives hope to families who’ve had very little of it.”

As science and ethics continue to evolve, the three-parent baby technique stands as a powerful, if complex, step forward in preventing inherited genetic illness.

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Mitochondrial Disease: In a groundbreaking development in reproductive medicine, researchers in the U.K. announced that eight healthy babies have been born using an experimental technique involving DNA from three people. The method was developed to help prevent mothers from passing on devastating mitochondrial diseases to their children — conditions that can lead to seizures, muscle weakness, organ failure, developmental delays, and even death.This scientific milestone was detailed in a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine on Wednesday. Experts from Newcastle University in the U.K. and Monash University in Australia conducted the procedures, which used a technique known as mitochondrial donation treatment. The technique replaces faulty mitochondria, which are the tiny energy-producing structures in cells, with healthy ones from a donor.Also Read: The Dream Of 'Super Breed Babies' Is Becoming A Reality In Silicon Valley, Babies Are Now Not Just Born, But SelectedWhat Is Mitochondrial DNA?While most of our DNA is stored in the nucleus of our cells and inherited equally from both parents, a small but vital portion resides in the mitochondria and comes solely from the mother. Mutations in this mitochondrial DNA can lead to serious, and often fatal, genetic disorders in children.During the in vitro fertilization (IVF) process, it is sometimes possible to detect these mutations early. However, in rare cases, such mutations go undetected — which is where mitochondrial donation becomes important.In this method, scientists transfer the nuclear DNA from the mother's egg or embryo into a donor egg or embryo that contains healthy mitochondria but has had its own nuclear DNA removed. The resulting embryo contains nuclear DNA from the parents and mitochondrial DNA from a donor — essentially, the genetic input of three people.A Scientific First Made Possible by LawThe U.K. became the first country in the world to legalize mitochondrial donation for clinical use in 2016, after years of ethical and scientific debates. Australia has also approved its use. However, the U.S. still prohibits any clinical research involving genetic modification of human embryos that could be inherited.“This marks an important milestone,” said Dr. Zev Williams, director of the Columbia University Fertility Center in New York, who was not involved in the study. “Expanding the range of reproductive options will empower more couples to pursue safe and healthy pregnancies.”As of now, 35 couples have been approved by the U.K.’s fertility regulator to undergo the procedure. Of the 22 patients treated in the reported study, eight babies have been born, and one more woman is still pregnant. Most of the children appear to be free of mitochondrial disease, though one child was found to have a slightly higher-than-expected level of abnormal mitochondria. Experts say this level is not currently cause for concern but will require monitoring.A Tiny Donor FootprintDespite the involvement of a third person, scientists emphasize that the genetic material from the donor is minimal. Dr. Robin Lovell-Badge, a stem cell expert at the Francis Crick Institute, noted that the donor’s mitochondrial DNA makes up less than 1% of the baby’s total genetic makeup — not enough to influence personal traits like appearance or personality.“In fact, if you had a bone marrow transplant, you would carry much more of another person’s DNA,” he explained.Hope for Families, But Questions RemainThe technology remains controversial in some circles. Critics warn that the long-term effects of such genetic manipulation are still unknown and could have unintended consequences for future generations. In the U.S., Congress has repeatedly blocked any government funding or approval of similar research.Still, for many families, the promise of avoiding a life-threatening diagnosis is worth the risk.Liz Curtis, whose daughter Lily died of mitochondrial disease in 2006 at just eight months old, now advocates for awareness and research. She founded the Lily Foundation in her daughter's memory and supports the work being done at Newcastle University.Curtis said the diagnosis devastated her family. “Nobody could tell us what it was or how it would affect Lily. It was just a waiting game,” she recalled. “This new technique gives hope to families who’ve had very little of it.”As science and ethics continue to evolve, the three-parent baby technique stands as a powerful, if complex, step forward in preventing inherited genetic illness.

'three-parent-baby' technique: how uk is making healthy babies with dna from three people to avoid genetic mitochondrial disease

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A Class IX student in Kollam was diagnosed with <span>H1N1</span> (<span>swine flu</span>) on Wednesday. Reports find that three other students from the same class were reporting fever-like symptoms since July 13 and are now being treated for similar symptoms. Currently, their test results are pending. The health officials will now be screening more students at the school. 

<h2>H1N1 And Why It Is A Cause of Concern – Signs and Symptoms </h2>

H1N1 flu, also called "swine flu," is a very catching virus. It mostly affects your nose and throat, but can sometimes get into your lungs too. If you get H1N1, you might feel sick with things like: 

<ul><li>A runny nose</li><li>Shivers</li><li>Achy muscles</li><li>Headache</li><li>Fever and chills</li><li>Loss of appetite </li></ul>

While it's often a mild illness, it can sometimes cause serious issues in your lungs or stomach. In rare cases, it can even lead to serious breathing trouble or other infections.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/three-parent-baby-technique-how-uk-is-making-healthy-babies-with-dna-from-three-people-to-avoid-genetic-mitochondrial-disease-article-152293192" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">'Three-Parent-Baby' Technique: How UK Is Making Healthy Babies With DNA From Three People To Avoid Genetic Mitochondrial Disease</a> 

This type of flu became a worldwide problem because it was a new mix of pig, bird, and human flu viruses. It spread to millions of people and even affected businesses like food and tourism. 

The best way to fight H1N1 is to get antiviral medicine early, within 72 hours of your symptoms starting. This can make the illness less severe and even save lives. Vaccines and other ways to prevent the flu are also super important to stop it from spreading. 

If your doctor thinks you have H1N1, they'll test samples from your nose or throat to be sure. Getting the best care, especially for people who are at higher risk, often involves a team of different healthcare professionals working together. 

<h2>The Rise Of Swine Flu And How It Spreads </h2>

The Centre of Disease Control and Prevention explains that swine flu is a highly contagious breathing illness that affect pigs. While it's uncommon for humans to catch swine flu from pigs, it can happen if they are in close contact with infected pigs or places where their viruses are present. Once a person gets infected, they can then spread the virus to other people, likely through coughing or sneezing, just like regular seasonal flu. 

CDC explains that just like the flu virus that affects people and birds, swine flu viruses are always changing. Pigs are unique because they can catch flu viruses not just from other pigs, but also from birds (avian flu) and people (human flu). 

When different types of flu viruses infect a pig at the same time, they can mix and swap their genetic material. This is like shuffling a deck of cards. When they mix, brand new flu viruses can be created that are a combination of swine, human, or avian flu. 

Over time, many different kinds of swine flu have appeared. Right now, in the United States, there are three main types of <span>influenza</span> A viruses found in pigs: H1N1, H1N2, and H3N2. 

<h2>Treating H1N1 – Managing the Disease </h2>

According to Medscape, if you have H1N1 flu, the main goal of treatment is to help you feel better. This usually means resting a lot, drinking plenty of fluids, and taking medicines to calm your cough, lower your fever, and ease muscle aches (like Tylenol or ibuprofen). If someone gets very sick, they might need fluids given through a vein and other help from doctors. Sometimes, doctors might also give special antiviral medicines to treat the flu or to keep you from getting it if you've been exposed. 

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A Class IX student in Kollam was diagnosed with H1N1 (swine flu) on Wednesday. Reports find that three other students from the same class were reporting fever-like symptoms since July 13 and are now being treated for similar symptoms. Currently, their test results are pending. The health officials will now be screening more students at the school. H1N1 And Why It Is A Cause of Concern – Signs and Symptoms H1N1 flu, also called "swine flu," is a very catching virus. It mostly affects your nose and throat, but can sometimes get into your lungs too. If you get H1N1, you might feel sick with things like: A runny noseShiversAchy musclesHeadacheFever and chillsLoss of appetite While it's often a mild illness, it can sometimes cause serious issues in your lungs or stomach. In rare cases, it can even lead to serious breathing trouble or other infections.Also Read: 'Three-Parent-Baby' Technique: How UK Is Making Healthy Babies With DNA From Three People To Avoid Genetic Mitochondrial Disease This type of flu became a worldwide problem because it was a new mix of pig, bird, and human flu viruses. It spread to millions of people and even affected businesses like food and tourism. The best way to fight H1N1 is to get antiviral medicine early, within 72 hours of your symptoms starting. This can make the illness less severe and even save lives. Vaccines and other ways to prevent the flu are also super important to stop it from spreading. If your doctor thinks you have H1N1, they'll test samples from your nose or throat to be sure. Getting the best care, especially for people who are at higher risk, often involves a team of different healthcare professionals working together. The Rise Of Swine Flu And How It Spreads The Centre of Disease Control and Prevention explains that swine flu is a highly contagious breathing illness that affect pigs. While it's uncommon for humans to catch swine flu from pigs, it can happen if they are in close contact with infected pigs or places where their viruses are present. Once a person gets infected, they can then spread the virus to other people, likely through coughing or sneezing, just like regular seasonal flu. How Swine Flu Changes CDC explains that just like the flu virus that affects people and birds, swine flu viruses are always changing. Pigs are unique because they can catch flu viruses not just from other pigs, but also from birds (avian flu) and people (human flu). When different types of flu viruses infect a pig at the same time, they can mix and swap their genetic material. This is like shuffling a deck of cards. When they mix, brand new flu viruses can be created that are a combination of swine, human, or avian flu. Over time, many different kinds of swine flu have appeared. Right now, in the United States, there are three main types of influenza A viruses found in pigs: H1N1, H1N2, and H3N2. Treating H1N1 – Managing the Disease According to Medscape, if you have H1N1 flu, the main goal of treatment is to help you feel better. This usually means resting a lot, drinking plenty of fluids, and taking medicines to calm your cough, lower your fever, and ease muscle aches (like Tylenol or ibuprofen). If someone gets very sick, they might need fluids given through a vein and other help from doctors. Sometimes, doctors might also give special antiviral medicines to treat the flu or to keep you from getting it if you've been exposed. 

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Inspired By 'Breaking Bad' Two Rajasthan Teachers Made Mephedrone, A Synthetic Drug Worth Rs. 15 Crore In Their Home-Lab

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In Muklawa, Sri Ganganagar district in Rajasthan, nobody even had an idea of what's cooking. Two teachers from a local government school and a physics tutor from a local coaching centre, Manoj Bharghav and Indrijeet Bishnoi, respectively set up a lab to make synthetic drugs like <span>Mephedrone</span>. 

Both were inspired by the American series 'Breaking Bad'. They have now been arrested for manufacturing Mephedrone or MD (4-Methylmethcathinone) drug worth Rs 15 crore in Rajasthan, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) said.

Mephedrone (4-methylmethcathinone), as per Alcohol and Drug Foundation, is an ampathogen-stimulant drug, which means it speeds up the messages travelling between the brain and body. Mephedrone also increases an individual’s feeling of empathy and kindness and enhances feelings of being socially accepted and connected to others. 

Mephedrone is a New Psychoactive Substance (NPS) - a drug that has been designed to produce effects similar to those of established illicit drugs. It was originally marketed online as a plant fertiliser or 'research chemical'. 

<ul><li>white powder with a yellowish tinge</li><li>crystals</li><li>capsules</li><li>pills</li></ul>

The drug is also known by other street names like Meph, meow, meow-meow, m-cat, plant food, drone, bubbles, and kitty cat. 

It is usually sniffed, snorted, or swallowed. Swallowing is the most common way of taking a drug and it usually is mixed with liquid to drink or wrapped in a cigarette paper. 

As per the Alcohol and Drug Foundation, Mephedrone affects everyone differently, based on:

<ul><li>the amount taken</li><li>a person’s size, weight and health</li><li>whether the person is used to taking it</li><li>whether other drugs are taken around the same time</li><li>the strength of the drug (which varies from batch to batch)</li><li>the environment (where the drug is taken)</li></ul>

The following effects may be experienced and may last for two-to-four hours:

<ul><li>rush of intense pleasure</li><li>feeling happy, energetic and wanting to talk more</li><li>intense connection with music</li><li>anxiety</li><li>paranoia</li><li>restless sleep</li><li>muscle tension (face and jaw)</li><li>blurred vision</li><li>light-headedness, dizziness</li><li>distorted sense of time</li><li>memory loss</li><li>nose bleeds from sniffing/snorting the drug</li><li>enlarged (dilated) pupils, blurred vision</li><li>dry mouth, thirst</li><li>sweating</li><li>reduced appetite</li><li>stomach pains, nausea, vomiting</li><li>skin rashes</li><li>fast or irregular heartbeat</li><li>high blood pressure and hot flushes</li><li>strong urge to re-dose</li><li>chest pain</li><li>tremors, convulsions</li></ul>

The two were arrested on the charges of clandestinely running a manufacturing laboratory from their rented flat at Dream Homes Apartment n Riddhi-Siddhi Enclave in Sri Ganganagar. This had been going on for at last two-and-a-half-months. As per the NCB Director Ghanshyam Soni, the duo sourced their chemicals and equipment from Delhi and took leave from their jobs to manufacture it. 

The two were able to produce about five kilogram of MD, which was worth 15 crore. Of that, they sold 4.22 kg of drugs, confirmed Soni.

Chemicals like acetone, benzene, sodium hydrogen carbonate, bromine, methylamine, isopropyl alcohol, 4-methyl propiophenone and n-methyl-2-pyrrolidone were seized from their property.

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In Muklawa, Sri Ganganagar district in Rajasthan, nobody even had an idea of what's cooking. Two teachers from a local government school and a physics tutor from a local coaching centre, Manoj Bharghav and Indrijeet Bishnoi, respectively set up a lab to make synthetic drugs like Mephedrone. Both were inspired by the American series 'Breaking Bad'. They have now been arrested for manufacturing Mephedrone or MD (4-Methylmethcathinone) drug worth Rs 15 crore in Rajasthan, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) said.What Is MD?Mephedrone (4-methylmethcathinone), as per Alcohol and Drug Foundation, is an ampathogen-stimulant drug, which means it speeds up the messages travelling between the brain and body. Mephedrone also increases an individual’s feeling of empathy and kindness and enhances feelings of being socially accepted and connected to others. Mephedrone is a New Psychoactive Substance (NPS) - a drug that has been designed to produce effects similar to those of established illicit drugs. It was originally marketed online as a plant fertiliser or 'research chemical'. What Does MD Look Like?Mephedrone comes in different forms:white powder with a yellowish tingecrystalscapsulespillsThe drug is also known by other street names like Meph, meow, meow-meow, m-cat, plant food, drone, bubbles, and kitty cat. It is usually sniffed, snorted, or swallowed. Swallowing is the most common way of taking a drug and it usually is mixed with liquid to drink or wrapped in a cigarette paper. How Does It Impact You?As per the Alcohol and Drug Foundation, Mephedrone affects everyone differently, based on:the amount takena person’s size, weight and healthwhether the person is used to taking itwhether other drugs are taken around the same timethe strength of the drug (which varies from batch to batch)the environment (where the drug is taken)The following effects may be experienced and may last for two-to-four hours:rush of intense pleasurefeeling happy, energetic and wanting to talk moreintense connection with musicanxietyparanoiarestless sleepmuscle tension (face and jaw)blurred visionlight-headedness, dizzinessdistorted sense of timememory lossnose bleeds from sniffing/snorting the drugenlarged (dilated) pupils, blurred visiondry mouth, thirstsweatingreduced appetitestomach pains, nausea, vomitingskin rashesfast or irregular heartbeathigh blood pressure and hot flushesstrong urge to re-dosechest paintremors, convulsionsHow Did The Two Make The Drug?The two were arrested on the charges of clandestinely running a manufacturing laboratory from their rented flat at Dream Homes Apartment n Riddhi-Siddhi Enclave in Sri Ganganagar. This had been going on for at last two-and-a-half-months. As per the NCB Director Ghanshyam Soni, the duo sourced their chemicals and equipment from Delhi and took leave from their jobs to manufacture it. The two were able to produce about five kilogram of MD, which was worth 15 crore. Of that, they sold 4.22 kg of drugs, confirmed Soni.Chemicals like acetone, benzene, sodium hydrogen carbonate, bromine, methylamine, isopropyl alcohol, 4-methyl propiophenone and n-methyl-2-pyrrolidone were seized from their property.

inspired by 'breaking bad' two rajasthan teachers made mephedrone, a synthetic drug worth rs. 15 crore in their home-lab

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Parkinson’s disease is notoriously difficult to diagnose early. Most patients aren’t identified until visible motor symptoms—tremors, stiffness, and slowness—are already affecting their lives. By that point, neurodegeneration has usually been ongoing for years. But a new study out of the UK could be a game-changer: specially trained dogs have proven they can detect Parkinson’s disease with remarkable accuracy—just by sniffing skin swabs.

In controlled clinical trials, two dogs achieved sensitivities between 70–80% and specificities exceeding 90% in detecting Parkinson’s disease from the scent of sebum, an oily substance secreted by the skin. That’s not just impressive—it rivals many of today’s most advanced diagnostic tools.

What exactly are dogs smelling? Turns out, Parkinson’s isn’t just a neurological disease. It also affects how the body metabolizes and produces oils on the skin. These changes lead to a unique profile of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)—essentially odor molecules—that trained dogs can detect.

The research builds on previous anecdotal reports, including that of Joy Milne, a Scottish woman who famously detected a musky scent from her husband years before he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s. Scientists later confirmed that this scent wasn’t imaginary—it was chemically real. Dogs, with their 10,000x more sensitive noses, just happen to be better equipped than humans at picking it up.

Researchers at the Universities of Bristol and Manchester collaborated with <span>Medical Detection Dogs</span>, a UK-based charity, to test whether Parkinson’s has a detectable odor signature. They began with 10 dogs and narrowed it down to two standouts: a male Golden Retriever and a Labrador-Golden mix.

Over the course of 38 to 53 weeks, these dogs were trained using 205 cotton swab samples collected from patients' backs—some with Parkinson’s, others without. Dogs were rewarded when they correctly identified samples from individuals with the disease. Importantly, the study was double-blind: neither the trainers nor the researchers knew which swabs were which during testing, ensuring unbiased results.

When the final test arrived—100 brand-new samples the dogs had never sniffed before—the animals performed exceptionally well. One dog hit 70% sensitivity and 90% specificity, while the other clocked in at 80% sensitivity and an astounding 98% specificity.

For context, that level of performance is on par with several existing diagnostic tests and better than previous scent-based trials involving cancers or infections.

Currently, there’s no blood test or brain scan that definitively diagnoses Parkinson’s early. Clinicians rely on watching for physical symptoms, which means by the time you’re diagnosed, significant damage may have already occurred.

Detection dogs could change that. By identifying Parkinson’s via skin swabs—before symptoms show up—these animals could help start the treatment process earlier, potentially slowing disease progression or improving long-term outcomes.

It’s especially meaningful in rural or underserved areas, where neurologists and movement disorder specialists are harder to access. A non-invasive, rapid screening tool—even if it’s a dog—could fill critical gaps.

Parkinson’s patients often develop seborrheic dermatitis, a condition that increases the production of sebum. In those with Parkinson’s, this sebum is chemically different. Dogs can detect those changes.

This builds on previous studies which have shown that diseases like cancer, malaria, and even COVID-19 can subtly change the body’s scent signature. The nose—particularly a canine one—may be among the most overlooked diagnostic tools in medicine.

And while dogs won’t be showing up in every clinic just yet, the data they provide is already helping researchers design electronic noses—devices that mimic canine olfaction and can detect VOCs in human sweat, sebum, or breath.

<h2>Are There Any Limitations Of This Kind Of Detection?</h2>

Of course, the idea of using dogs as diagnostic tools has its limits. Training a single dog takes nearly a year and is resource-intensive. Only a small number of dogs are temperamentally suited to this kind of highly focused scent work. And the study still doesn’t explain why some Parkinson’s patients’ samples were easier for dogs to detect than others.

Researchers also emphasize that dogs would not replace neurologists—but they could be used as a pre-screening tool, flagging individuals who should undergo further clinical evaluation.

The dogs in this study worked only with drug-naive patients—those who hadn’t yet started medications—meaning the scent signature they detected wasn’t masked or altered by pharmaceutical treatment. Future research may explore whether medication changes a patient’s odor profile or affects detection accuracy.

<h2>How Will This Change the Future of Parkinson’s Diagnosis?</h2>

Quite possibly, if scientists can isolate the exact VOCs that signal Parkinson’s—and replicate what dogs detect with sensors or lab tests—we could one day have a rapid, affordable, and non-invasive way to diagnose the disease long before traditional symptoms show up.

That would mark a sea change in Parkinson’s treatment strategy: from managing symptoms to preemptively addressing the disease at its earliest, most treatable stage.

Until then, we may just need to trust our four-legged friends to lead the way—nose first.

Dogs are proving to be more than just loyal companions—they’re potentially medical detectives. With their powerful noses, they may soon help detect Parkinson’s earlier than ever before, offering hope for millions living with or at risk of the disease.

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Parkinson’s disease is notoriously difficult to diagnose early. Most patients aren’t identified until visible motor symptoms—tremors, stiffness, and slowness—are already affecting their lives. By that point, neurodegeneration has usually been ongoing for years. But a new study out of the UK could be a game-changer: specially trained dogs have proven they can detect Parkinson’s disease with remarkable accuracy—just by sniffing skin swabs.In controlled clinical trials, two dogs achieved sensitivities between 70–80% and specificities exceeding 90% in detecting Parkinson’s disease from the scent of sebum, an oily substance secreted by the skin. That’s not just impressive—it rivals many of today’s most advanced diagnostic tools.Does Parkinson’s Has a Scent?What exactly are dogs smelling? Turns out, Parkinson’s isn’t just a neurological disease. It also affects how the body metabolizes and produces oils on the skin. These changes lead to a unique profile of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)—essentially odor molecules—that trained dogs can detect.The research builds on previous anecdotal reports, including that of Joy Milne, a Scottish woman who famously detected a musky scent from her husband years before he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s. Scientists later confirmed that this scent wasn’t imaginary—it was chemically real. Dogs, with their 10,000x more sensitive noses, just happen to be better equipped than humans at picking it up.How The Dogs Were Trained?Researchers at the Universities of Bristol and Manchester collaborated with Medical Detection Dogs, a UK-based charity, to test whether Parkinson’s has a detectable odor signature. They began with 10 dogs and narrowed it down to two standouts: a male Golden Retriever and a Labrador-Golden mix.Over the course of 38 to 53 weeks, these dogs were trained using 205 cotton swab samples collected from patients' backs—some with Parkinson’s, others without. Dogs were rewarded when they correctly identified samples from individuals with the disease. Importantly, the study was double-blind: neither the trainers nor the researchers knew which swabs were which during testing, ensuring unbiased results.When the final test arrived—100 brand-new samples the dogs had never sniffed before—the animals performed exceptionally well. One dog hit 70% sensitivity and 90% specificity, while the other clocked in at 80% sensitivity and an astounding 98% specificity.For context, that level of performance is on par with several existing diagnostic tests and better than previous scent-based trials involving cancers or infections.Currently, there’s no blood test or brain scan that definitively diagnoses Parkinson’s early. Clinicians rely on watching for physical symptoms, which means by the time you’re diagnosed, significant damage may have already occurred.Detection dogs could change that. By identifying Parkinson’s via skin swabs—before symptoms show up—these animals could help start the treatment process earlier, potentially slowing disease progression or improving long-term outcomes.It’s especially meaningful in rural or underserved areas, where neurologists and movement disorder specialists are harder to access. A non-invasive, rapid screening tool—even if it’s a dog—could fill critical gaps.Parkinson’s patients often develop seborrheic dermatitis, a condition that increases the production of sebum. In those with Parkinson’s, this sebum is chemically different. Dogs can detect those changes.This builds on previous studies which have shown that diseases like cancer, malaria, and even COVID-19 can subtly change the body’s scent signature. The nose—particularly a canine one—may be among the most overlooked diagnostic tools in medicine.And while dogs won’t be showing up in every clinic just yet, the data they provide is already helping researchers design electronic noses—devices that mimic canine olfaction and can detect VOCs in human sweat, sebum, or breath.Are There Any Limitations Of This Kind Of Detection?Of course, the idea of using dogs as diagnostic tools has its limits. Training a single dog takes nearly a year and is resource-intensive. Only a small number of dogs are temperamentally suited to this kind of highly focused scent work. And the study still doesn’t explain why some Parkinson’s patients’ samples were easier for dogs to detect than others.Researchers also emphasize that dogs would not replace neurologists—but they could be used as a pre-screening tool, flagging individuals who should undergo further clinical evaluation.The dogs in this study worked only with drug-naive patients—those who hadn’t yet started medications—meaning the scent signature they detected wasn’t masked or altered by pharmaceutical treatment. Future research may explore whether medication changes a patient’s odor profile or affects detection accuracy.How Will This Change the Future of Parkinson’s Diagnosis?Quite possibly, if scientists can isolate the exact VOCs that signal Parkinson’s—and replicate what dogs detect with sensors or lab tests—we could one day have a rapid, affordable, and non-invasive way to diagnose the disease long before traditional symptoms show up.That would mark a sea change in Parkinson’s treatment strategy: from managing symptoms to preemptively addressing the disease at its earliest, most treatable stage.Until then, we may just need to trust our four-legged friends to lead the way—nose first.Dogs are proving to be more than just loyal companions—they’re potentially medical detectives. With their powerful noses, they may soon help detect Parkinson’s earlier than ever before, offering hope for millions living with or at risk of the disease.

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