Story perspectives

Affordable Saliva Biosensor Detects Mental Health Biomarker Fast

10/31/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Researchers from the University of São Paulo and Embrapa Instrumentação developed a portable saliva biosensor that detects brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) linked to psychiatric disorders.
The device costs about US$2.19.
Results appear in under three minutes.
The biosensor can measure BDNF concentrations as low as 10?²0 grams per milliliter.
The team aims to patent the technology to address Brazil's mental health issues, where absences rose 134% from 2022 to 2024.

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Story summary

Researchers from the University of São Paulo and Embrapa Instrumentação developed a portable saliva biosensor that detects brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) linked to psychiatric disorders.
The device costs about US$2.19.
Results appear in under three minutes.
The biosensor can measure BDNF concentrations as low as 10?²0 grams per milliliter.
The team aims to patent the technology to address Brazil's mental health issues, where absences rose 134% from 2022 to 2024.