Blood-based biomarkers could offer more effective medical aid for many of the nearly five million people worldwide living with Parkinson’s disease. Michael Sierks (at right in photo), a Fulton Schools professor of chemical engineering, is working with Mayo Clinic neurologist to identify the biomarkers to enable more accurate and earlier diagnosis of Parkinson’s, plus the ability to track its progression and target specific treatments. Sierks has already identified biomarkers that have enabled earlier diagnoses of Alzheimer’s disease.