Scripps Research Institute scientists came up with new technology that they say can successfully be used to screen human blood for biomarkers affecting various autoimmune diseases and other health conditions ranging from multiple sclerosis, lupus, Alzheimer's disease and narcolepsy. Their initial study involved spotting human blood biomarkers for neuromyelitis optica, an autoimmune disorder that is similar to multiple sclerosis and makes sufferers go blind and become paralyzed. And their technique has also worked in mouse studies for multiple sclerosis. One key: a search for peptoids that bind to antibodies found in patients that are known to have a specific disease. Details are published in the journal Chemistry & Biology. Release