Sign up for our free Health Check email to receive exclusive analysis on the week in health Get our free email Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. The tool, known as TDP-43 aptamer, is able to detect damaged cell proteins in brain tissue samples. Researchers said these proteins are indicators, or biomarkers, of MND that can be spotted before cells begin to malfunction.