BlinkLab Limited (ASX:BB1), an innovative digital healthcare company specializing in smartphone-based AI-powered diagnostic tests for neurological disorders, has announced its participation in a clinical study at Columbia University, New York.
Key highlights of the collaboration include a new study with Columbia University to explore the impact of aerobic physical exercise on neuroplasticity in adults with spinocerebellar ataxias (SCA). This study aims to validate the effectiveness of the BlinkLab eyeblink conditioning test as a biomarker for neuroplasticity in SCA patients.
The partnership is expected to enhance the global adoption of the BlinkLab platform among prestigious research centers and institutions for studying various neurological disorders. The study will span up to 18 months and will involve the recruitment of up to 62 adults with SCA.
Furthermore, as part of the collaboration agreement, BlinkLab will have the option to exclusively license any intellectual property resulting from the partnership.
Henk-Jan Boele, CEO of BlinkLab, expressed the company’s vision to develop a tool that can revolutionize the diagnosis of neurodevelopmental conditions, such as autism and ADHD. The team aims to establish BlinkLab as a leader in digital sensory phenotyping for neuropsychiatric conditions through ongoing research and technology development.
Spinocerebellar ataxias are a group of disorders characterized by progressive cerebellar degeneration, leading to significant disability. With approximately 150,000 Americans affected by these conditions, and an annual healthcare cost exceeding 1.9 billion dollars, the need for effective treatments is crucial.
Research conducted at Columbia University Medical Center has shown that aerobic training may be a promising treatment for spinocerebellar ataxias, potentially leading to neuroplastic changes in the brain that support motor learning. The study aims to investigate the impact of acute and long-term aerobic training on eyeblink conditioning in individuals with ataxia, with a focus on identifying neuroplastic changes in the cerebellum.
Dr. Scott Barbuto from Columbia University emphasized the importance of this study in exploring the effects of exercise on eyeblink conditioning in individuals with ataxia, an area that has not been extensively studied in humans.
For more information, refer to the full ASX release. Please note that this article is based on content provided by BlinkLab Limited and does not constitute financial advice. It is recommended to conduct thorough due diligence before making any decisions based on this information.
