Neurotrauma Measurement

We are conducting a multi-sport study to build a comparative data repository that characterizes the molecular signatures of the neurotrauma spectrum.

We collect saliva samples that are de-identified at the source. We analyze these anonymous samples to document the presence and abundance of microRNA sequences. We focus on markers identified in third-party peer-reviewed literature relevant to conditions ranging from sub-concussive accumulation and Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) to long-term trauma-induced neurodegeneration, specifically Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE).

The Biosignal Commons Scientific Board evaluates these literature-derived markers, filtering them into a specific Target Screening Panel. This panel represents the list of microRNA sequences we actively quantify, prioritized by their scientific validity and detection feasibility in saliva.

Our study relies on recurrent sampling throughout the athletic calendar. Athletes provide samples at various intervals, including prior to the season and following suspected impact events. By measuring fluctuations in the Target Screening Panel between these states, we characterize how the biological profile shifts in response to physical collision.

Aggregating these standardized measurements across a large, multi-sport cohort constructs the Neurotrauma Reference Dataset that differentiates this initiative from smaller, isolated studies. We place this dataset into the public domain to support the scientific community in their independent efforts to validate biomarker thresholds and safety protocols.

This initiative preserves athlete privacy through strict de-identification. The Biosignal Commons processes only numeric identifiers. While the full dataset is publicly available for research, participating athletes hold a secure unique access keythat allows them to resolve their own specific biological profile within the anonymous set. This operates on the same principle as a cryptocurrency wallet: possession of the key allows the owner to claim and view their data, while the Foundation remains permanently blind to the identity of the individual.

The list of peer-reviewed studies considered for the Target Screening Panel can be found in the scientific reference library section.