Using graphene to test for ALS and other neurodegenerative diseases

Market Business News (Jan. 12) -- One day, we may be using graphene to test for ALS and other neurodegenerative diseases, says a team of researchers. Co-author, Vikas Berry, an Associate Professor and Head of Chemical Engineering at the University of Illinois’ College of Engineering, explained: “Graphene is just one atom thick, so a molecule on its surface in comparison is enormous and can produce a specific change in graphene’s phonon energy, which we can measure. Changes in graphene’s vibrational characteristics depend on the unique electronic characteristics of the added molecule, known as its “dipole moment.'”