Understanding Schizophrenia and Biomedical Innovations
The VOLABIOS project aims to transform how we detect and manage schizophrenia by identifying non-invasive biomarkers through cutting-edge science. This page is here to help make our research accessible to everyone by explaining the key terms and concepts we use throughout the project.
Whether you’re a patient, caregiver, policymaker, or simply curious about mental health and innovation, this glossary will give you a clearer view of the science behind our mission.
VOCs are a diverse group of carbon-based chemicals that easily evaporate at room temperature. They are naturally produced by the human body and can be found in exhaled breath, sweat, urine, and blood. In medical science, VOCs can serve as biomarkers — biological indicators — for diseases like cancer, infections, and mental disorders, including schizophrenia. The VOLABIOS project focuses on identifying specific VOC patterns associated with schizophrenia to develop non-invasive diagnostic tools. These VOC signatures can be captured and analyzed using advanced technologies such as portable spectrograph devices, offering a quick, cost-effective way to screen for early signs of the disorder.
A biomarker is any measurable indicator of a biological state, condition, or disease. They can be molecules like proteins, genes, metabolites, or VOCs, and are typically found in bodily fluids or tissues. Biomarkers are invaluable in medical diagnostics because they can help detect diseases early, predict how they will progress, and monitor responses to treatment. In schizophrenia research, reliable biomarkers have the potential to revolutionize diagnosis and care by providing objective, biological evidence of the disorder — something that’s currently lacking. The VOLABIOS project is actively investigating VOCs and multi-omics data to identify robust, reproducible biomarkers for early detection and personalized treatment planning.
Volatilomics is the scientific study of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted by living organisms. These compounds can reflect metabolic processes occurring within the body and change in response to disease. By analyzing VOC patterns in breath, sweat, blood, or urine, scientists can detect physiological imbalances, including those associated with psychiatric conditions like schizophrenia. In the VOLABIOS project, volatilomics plays a central role in identifying disease-specific VOC fingerprints. This emerging field combines chemistry, biology, and data science to develop highly sensitive diagnostic tools. Unlike traditional tests, volatilomics offers the possibility of rapid, non-invasive, and low-cost diagnostics that can be applied even in early or asymptomatic stages.
Genomics is the comprehensive study of the genome — the complete set of an organism’s DNA, including all of its genes. In the context of schizophrenia, genomics helps identify genetic variants that may increase an individual’s risk of developing the disorder. This field uses technologies like high-throughput sequencing to detect mutations, structural variations, and gene expression patterns. By analyzing the genomes of individuals with schizophrenia compared to those without, researchers aim to uncover the genetic architecture of the disease. In VOLABIOS, genomic data is integrated with other biological layers (like proteomics and volatilomics) to better understand schizophrenia’s multifactorial nature and improve diagnostic precision.
Proteomics is the large-scale study of proteins — the vital molecules that perform most of the functions in our bodies, such as signaling, transport, and immune response. Proteins are encoded by genes and are sensitive to both genetic and environmental influences. In schizophrenia research, proteomics helps uncover abnormalities in brain or blood proteins that may be linked to the onset or progression of the disease. Using technologies like mass spectrometry and specialized immunoassays, researchers in VOLABIOS are identifying protein patterns that differentiate individuals with schizophrenia from healthy controls. This allows for better biomarker discovery and offers insight into disrupted biological pathways.
Transcriptomics refers to the study of the transcriptome — all the RNA molecules transcribed from DNA in a cell or tissue at a specific time. Since RNA reflects which genes are active and how strongly they are expressed, transcriptomics provides valuable information about gene function and regulation. In the context of schizophrenia, transcriptomic profiling can reveal changes in gene activity that may contribute to symptoms such as cognitive dysfunction, mood disturbances, or psychosis. VOLABIOS uses transcriptomics as one layer in its multi-omics approach to discover early biological signals of schizophrenia, aiming to identify genes whose expression is uniquely altered in at-risk individuals.
Multi-omics refers to the combined analysis of different biological data types, including genomics (genes), transcriptomics (RNA), proteomics (proteins), and metabolomics (small molecules), among others. By integrating these diverse layers of information, researchers gain a comprehensive, systems-level understanding of health and disease. In schizophrenia research, this approach is particularly valuable because the disorder is influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. VOLABIOS uses a multi-omics strategy to uncover how various molecular pathways interact to contribute to schizophrenia. This holistic view not only aids in more accurate diagnoses but also opens the door to more tailored, personalized treatment strategies based on an individual’s unique biological profile.
A blind validation study is a clinical research method where those conducting the analysis do not know the diagnostic status of the subjects involved — whether they are patients, at-risk individuals, or healthy controls. This is done to eliminate bias and ensure the reliability and objectivity of the results. In the VOLABIOS project, a blind validation study will test whether VOC-based diagnostic tools can accurately identify early schizophrenia in a group of 1,000 individuals. The success of this study is crucial for confirming that the biomarkers and technologies developed during the project perform well in real-world scenarios, outside of controlled lab settings.
Mobile spectrometry refers to the use of compact, portable spectrometers that can analyze the chemical composition of samples in real time and on-site. These devices measure how light interacts with matter — typically gases, liquids, or solids — to detect and quantify specific compounds. In VOLABIOS, mobile spectrometry is a key technology used to detect volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted from breath, sweat, urine, or blood. The specially designed Portable Spectrograph (PSG) device can identify VOC signatures linked to schizophrenia, allowing for non-invasive, rapid, and cost-effective diagnosis. Unlike traditional laboratory spectrometers, mobile versions are battery-powered, user-friendly, and suitable for both clinical and field environments. This innovation is central to the project’s goal of creating scalable, real-world tools for early schizophrenia detection and ongoing monitoring. By making high-quality molecular analysis accessible at the point of care, mobile spectrometry represents a leap forward in personalized, precision diagnostics.