How a precision sensor can detect and monitor epilepsy

DCU’s Dr Áine Brady highlights the value of resilience in building a successful research career. ‘There’s a common misconception that research is a linear process, but in reality, there can be many setbacks,’ she says.Dr Áine Brady actively encourages engagement with her work through academic dissemination and public outreach, including serving as a judge at the ESB Science Blast this year “to instill interest in science and technology in young people”.There has been increased public interest in science and data in recent years, Brady says, as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. “However, this increased interest also opened the door to the spreading of misinformation, especially online, and conflicting reports from different countries often added to public confusion,” Brady says.“Ultimately, the pandemic highlighted the importance of trust, transparency and clear communication within the scientific community.”Brady completed a PhD in physical chemistry and materials science, “with a focus on leveraging the unique properties of conducting polymers to advance drug delivery”, she explains.“My research explored how these materials could be used as vehicles to deliver pharmaceutical therapeutics in a precise manner, enhancing drug efficacy, reducing dosage requirements and most importantly reducing side effects for patients.”She then joined Prof Robert Foster’s research group at Dublin City University in what she says, “marks an exciting new direction from drug delivery to diagnostics”. She is working on developing a device for the early detection and monitoring of epilepsy.Here, she tells us more about her research.

Tell us about your current research.

Currently, I am working on the development of a next-generation sensing device aimed at detecting biomarkers associated with epilepsy. This work is part of a collaborative project funded by FutureNeuro.The specific biomarkers we are targeting are epilepsy associated miRNAs which have been identified by other research groups within the FutureNeuro network.MiRNAs play a critical regulatory role in gene expression and have been increasingly recognized as reliable biomarkers for neurological conditions including epilepsy. Monitoring the presence and changes in levels of specific miRNAs can provide insight into disease onset, progression and response to treatment. Therefore, detecting these miRNAs with high sensitivity and specificity will significantly improve early diagnosis and patient monitoring.The device design leverages bipolar electrochemistry and electrochemiluminescence to generate a signal only in the presence of the target analyte (miRNA). This design allows for a visual ‘on/off’ signal, emitting light only when the specific miRNA is detected. At the moment, our team has developed a thorough understanding of the wireless voltage requirements which have been published in high-impact journals.The project is led by Prof Robert Forster, with myself as the postdoctoral researcher, and Francesca Lembo as the PhD student.Our team’s collaborative approach will see the incorporation of wireless electrochemistry, device engineering, and electrochemiluminescence to develop a sensitive, user-friendly sensing platform for epilepsy diagnostics.

In your opinion, why is your research important?

Epilepsy affects more than 50m people globally, yet timely diagnosis and effective monitoring remain a challenge. My research aims to address this gap by developing a multiplexed, wireless sensing platform capable of detecting epilepsy-related miRNAs.By enabling simultaneous detection of multiple miRNAs from small samples, this device will have the ability to monitor disease progression and treatment response in real time, paving the way for more personalized care for patients.

What inspired you to become a researcher?

I’ve always known that I wanted a career where I could make a real difference to people’s lives, and for me, research became that path. I’ve always loved science and engineering, especially the process of designing and creating solutions. Interestingly, I hadn’t considered becoming a researcher until the final-year project of my undergraduate degree when I was shown how the research at Dublin City University was being translated into real-world applications. That experience sparked something in me, and I’ve followed that passion ever since!

What are some of the biggest challenges or misconceptions you face as a researcher in your field?

In my opinion, one of the most overlooked aspects of research is the resilience that is required. There’s a common misconception that research is a linear process, but in reality, there can be many setbacks, or as I like to call them, redirections. Bringing a project to completion demands not only creativity and persistence, but also resilience to navigate setbacks and uncertainty.One major challenge in the industry as an early-stage researcher is the issue regarding job security in academia. Many research projects are funded for a limited period of time, meaning most postdoctoral positions are contract based, which can be difficult from both a career development and personal perspective.

Do you think public engagement with science and data has changed in recent years?

Public engagement with science and data has definitely increased in recent years, especially after events such as the Covid-19 pandemic. As people become more aware of how science directly impacts their daily lives, particularly in relation to health, there has been a noticeable shift in curiosity and trust toward scientific information.In parallel, there has been a rise in health consciousness, with a growing public interesting in topics such as mental wellbeing, physical health, nutrition and environmental sustainability. This shift has been reflected across digital platforms in the form of podcasts, YouTube videos and social media posts. Source: siliconrepublic.com