Study focuses on developing 'game-changing' test to diagnose Parkinson's ANI | Updated: Mar 11, 2021 16:15 IST Washington [US], March 11 (ANI): The results of a recent study show that it is possible to identify Parkinson's based on compounds found on the surface of the skin. The findings offer hope that a pioneering new test could be developed to diagnose the degenerative condition through a simple and painless skin swab. Scientists at The University of Manchester have developed a technique which works by analysing compounds found in sebum - the oily substance that coats and protects the skin - and identifying changes in people with Parkinson's Disease. Sebum is rich in lipid-like molecules and is one of the lesser studied biological fluids in the diagnosis of the condition. People with Parkinson's may produce more sebum than normal - a condition known as seborrhoea.