BRIGHAM YOUNG UNIVERSITY

Researchers using dirty diapers to develop new autism test

Sep 28, 2022, 6:00 PM

Researchers at Brigham Young University are using dirty diapers to try and detect autism in children earlier. Photo credit: Deseret News.

PROVO, Utah — A group of researchers at Brigham Young University is looking for ways to detect autism in children earlier. And they’re using dirty diapers to do it. 

Associate Professor Dr. Rebecca Lundwall is hoping to find a new way to test for autism in younger kids. 

She’s collecting samples from dirty diapers to help find links between what’s in that diaper and what’s going on in the brain. 

“Some of the biproducts of the bacteria that live in your gastrointestinal tract, produce precursors to neurotransmitters that act on your brain,” Lundwall said. 

Lundwall is hoping this could be used in the future to develop a biological test for autism in young children. 

“I really feel like I would have made a big difference in the world if we can catch these kids earlier, get them the kind of help they need. So that they can live full, happy lives,” Lundwall said. “That would just make me so happy.” 

She’s asking for families with toddlers to help join their study.

They are need of several control families with toddlers with no known relatives with autism.

Participants would not actually send any dirty diapers into the mail. Dr. Lundwall says they will mail parents special collection equipment. 

To take part, email the research team at: cogndevelopment@gmail.com

Read more:

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

Brigham Young University

a woman sits with her son at a computer...

Don Brinkerhoff

Tutoring may be a ‘good way’ artificial intelligence can help us

As with most things involving artificial intelligence, AI tutoring would begin with a human evaluating what a student already knows.

3 days ago

Space X Starship launch is a step in the right direction as far as a BYU professor, with dreams of ...

Dale Spaulding

BYU professor hopeful for space project, despite SpaceX failure

Dr. Jani Radebaugh is part of a BYU space project group developing a specially designed quadcopter intended for Saturn's moon, Titan.

8 days ago

FILE - Tablets of ibuprofen are arranged for a photograph in New York on Thursday, Nov. 2, 2017. Re...

Emma Keddington

BYU researchers testing new PTSD drug

Researchers at BYU are testing a series of drugs that they hope could prevent the effects of PTSD before stressful events even happen.

20 days ago

A BYU professor has been hunting organizational ghosts for over a decade. (Canva)...

Allessandra Harris

BYU professor ghost hunting for organizational ghosts

A BYU professor has been hunting organizational ghosts for over a decade.

1 month ago

The BYU Jerusalem Center. According to yesterday's security update from the BYU Jerusalem Center, a...

Peter Johnston

BYU Jerusalem Center: students and staff are safe

According to yesterday's security update from the BYU Jerusalem Center, all 93 of the center's students and American staff members returned to class safely. 

2 months ago

FILE - A radiologist uses a magnifying glass to check mammograms for breast cancer in Los Angeles, ...

Allessandra Harris

BYU professors help in national cancer study

One of two BYU professors involved in a national cancer study says their research shows different forms of cancer react with the body's cells differently.

3 months ago

Sponsored Articles

front of the Butch Cassidy museum with a man in a cowboy hat standing in the doorway...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Looking Back: The History of Bear Lake

The history of Bear Lake is full of fascinating stories. At over 250,000 years old, the lake has seen generations of people visit its shores.

silhouette of a family looking over a lake with a bird in the top corner flying...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

8 Fun Activities To Do in Bear Lake Without Getting in the Water

Bear Lake offers plenty of activities for the whole family to enjoy without having to get in the water. Catch 8 of our favorite activities.

Wellsville Mountains in the spring with a pond in the foreground...

Wasatch Property Management

Advantages of Renting Over Owning a Home

Renting allows you to enjoy luxury amenities and low maintenance without the long-term commitment and responsibilities of owning a home.

Clouds over a red rock vista in Hurricane, Utah...

Wasatch Property Management

Why Southern Utah is a Retirement Paradise

Retirement in southern Utah offers plenty of cultural and recreational opportunities. Find out all that this region has to offer.

Human hand holding a protest banner stop vaping message over a crowded street background....

Prosperous Utah Communities

Utah’s Battle to Protect Youth from Vaping Epidemic Faces New Threat as Proposed Rule Threatens Progress

Utah's strict standards of nicotine levels in vaping products are at risk, increasing health hazards associated with use. Read more about how you can advocate for a better future for Utah's youth.

Aerial photo of Bear Lake shoreline with canopies and people camped out on the beach...

Visit Bear Lake

Last-Minute Summer Vacation Planning? Check Out Bear Lake!

Bear Lake is the perfect getaway if you are last-minute summer vacation planning. Enjoy activities with your whole family at this iconic lake.

Researchers using dirty diapers to develop new autism test