Singapore: Agilent Technologies has established a new center for neurometabolomics research and training in the city of Daegu, South Korea. The center will serve as the base for the company's collaboration with the department of brain science at the Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology.

This is Agilent's first collaboration in Asia for metabolomics research in brain science.

Metabolomics is the study of the small molecules produced during metabolism - chemical processes in a cell or organism that are necessary for life. Through metabolomics, scientists and researchers are able to discover biomarkers for neurological diseases.

"The department of brain science at DGIST aims to facilitate neuroscience discovery and education, and apply our knowledge to improve brain health," said Professor Gabriele Ronnett, head of the neuroscience department at DGIST. "This is in line with our institute's goal of developing world-leading technology for 21st century."

"The goal of this center is not only to lead global collaborations in neurometabolomics, but to foster and train researchers who will work in this area," said Professor Eun-Kyoung Kim of the department of brain science at DGIST, soon to be appointed head of the Neurometabolomics Research and Training Center.