Biomarkers
What are Biomarkers?
Biomarkers, short for biological markers, are biological measurements—they are measurable characteristics of the body.
Why are Biomarkers Important?
Biomarkers are important because the presence of biomarkers are often used to indicate abnormal physiological processes and predict and/or influence health-related outcomes.
Examples of Biomarkers
Some examples of common biomarkers are blood pressure, body temperature, and cholesterol. Blood pressure is a common biomarker of stroke, body temperature is a common biomarker of fever, and cholesterol is a common biomarker of coronary and vascular disease.
What are Digital Biomarkers?
Digital devices, such as smartphones and smartwatches, can continuously measure and collect behavioral and physiological data, known as “digital biomarkers,” from individuals. Similarly to non-digital biomarkers, digital biomarkers can be used to predict and/or influence health-related outcomes.