Leveraging Existing Technologies While Awaiting Advanced Detection Methods

Living with MEBO can be challenging and frustrating. While we await the emergence of specialized personal odor testing devices that can accurately detect and measure trimethylamine, there is an opportunity for individuals in our community to contribute to research on long-term environmental exposures. These exposures could include compounds responsible for PATM and MEBO. 

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emanating from human skin and exhaled breath are of great interest to researchers in medical and forensic fields. These compounds provide valuable insights into our health, metabolism, and interactions with the environment. However, the study of VOCs is currently limited by the methods used for sample collection and pre-concentration.

One promising technology in this field is the use of wristbands designed to absorb VOCs. These wristbands have been successfully used in studies exploring the complex relationships between the human skin microbiome and the attractiveness of individuals to mosquitoes, as well as the effects of diet and personal care products. By collecting and analyzing the VOCs absorbed by these wristbands, researchers can gain a better understanding of the chemicals we are exposed to in our daily lives and those emanating from our bodies.

Trimethylamine (TMA) presents a significant challenge for detection due to its low abundance, volatility, and unique properties. TMA’s polarity affects its behavior in various contexts, from odor perception to solubility. While traditional wristbands can accumulate a wide range of VOCs, including those related to food exposure and antimicrobial soaps, not all materials have a high affinity for TMA, which hinders selectivity. More research is needed to improve wristbands and other samplers to better detect TMA and other challenging compounds.

Understanding chemical exposure in our daily lives is crucial for public health. A recent innovative study aims to achieve it by enlisting volunteers to wear specialized wristbands for seven days. These wristbands are designed to absorb a variety of chemicals, providing a comprehensive view of the substances individuals encounter in their environment and those emanating from their bodies.

By participating in this study, you can help researchers gather data that could eventually allow for the comparison of results from MEBO community. This research has the potential to benefit our community by providing new insights into long-term odor issues and environmental exposures. 

If you are interested in participating in this study and have questions, please contact us at studies@aurametrix.com or share your insights on Facebook. 

The study is conducted by our friends at Vanderbilt University, led by Dr. Wei Zheng, Anne Potter Wilson Professor of Medicine, and Dr. Martha Shrubsole. 

To join, click this link. 

Eligibility: Adults ages 40-70 living in Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia.

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