Characterizing mood disorders in the AFFECT study: a large, longitudinal, and phenotypically rich genetic cohort in the US
Dalby et al.
The finding, in our words
The AFFECT study successfully recruited and characterised 48,467 participants with major depression, bipolar disorder, and controls through a fully remote design. This demonstrates the viability of large-scale virtual and decentralised cohorts for deep phenotyping and genomic analysis of psychiatric conditions.
A paraphrase to the Library’s standard, never the abstract. The source is one link away and is always the authority.
A nationwide survey of 194 professionals across 140 Japanese hospitals found that geographic and logistical barriers limit access to comprehensive genomic profiling and genotype-matched trials, with over half of eligible patients declining participation due to travel distance; most institutions support telemedicine for consent and results and view DCTs as essential to improve equitable access.
Taniguchi et al., International journal of clinical oncology · source ↗
This study demonstrated that a fully remote genome sequencing study using self-collected dried blood spots and buccal swabs is feasible for individuals with Prader-Willi syndrome, with all participants completing the study and reporting the process was easy despite being lengthy. The design successfully returned actionable genetic findings, including those related to blood clot formation, to participants.
Vrana-Diaz et al., Genetics in medicine open · source ↗
Wearable-derived digital biomarkers have been accepted by regulatory agencies as endpoints in clinical trials for Duchenne muscular dystrophy, showing their potential to support decentralised diagnostics through patient-centric monitoring. This matters because it enables more sensitive and continuous assessment of disease progression outside clinical settings.
Ma et al., Neurology and therapy (paywalled) · source ↗
In a one-week virtual home clinic with 134 participants, 86 per cent returned saliva and 84 per cent returned stool, and most components were feasible and acceptable despite device and logistical challenges. This supports decentralised, patient-centric self-collection of non-blood biospecimens for research.
A Danish virtual feasibility study of 55 adults with atopic dermatitis found that remote recruitment and self-collection of DNA samples by mail, combined with weekly smartphone tasks, achieved 96% retention and over 90% task adherence, over a short eight-week study with self-reported outcomes.