A new understanding of biomarkers could help scientists develop early detection methods for fatal diseases.
The study was undertaken by National Physical Laboratory (NPL), the University of Edinburgh and industrial partners Mologic, IBM's Watson Research Center and Pepscan Presto BV.
Research by the scientists has identified molecular differences between disease-indicating proteins and those which exist naturally through the study of antibodies.
The scientists focused on hCG, a hormone produced in pregnancy, and its subunit, hCGβ, which is released by some cancers, meaning that its detection could provide an early warning against tumours.
However, they are similar to normal growth hormones LH and FSH, which could previously have lead to false positives.
"This work answers one of the big questions in distinguishing biomarkers which are critical for identifying and treating serious diseases. We hope this breakthrough will underpin the development of a range of new diagnostic techniques and treatment," said Max Ryadnov, principal research scientist at the NPL.
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