The Science Behind CeruLabs

Our technology is built on peer-reviewed research published in Scientific Reports (Nature) and validated through clinical studies with 100% discrimination accuracy.

Published Research

The foundation of cerumenogram technology is built on rigorous, peer-reviewed scientific studies.

2019

Study

Cerumenogram: A New Frontier in Cancer Diagnosis in Humans

Scientific Reports (Nature) • PMID: 31409861

  • 27 volatile organic compounds identified as biomarkers
  • 100% discrimination between cancer and control groups
  • GA-PLS methodology validated with 10-fold cross-validation
  • Foundation for non-invasive metabolic screening
View on PubMed
2025

Study

Cerumenogram for Metabolic Diagnosis of Precancer, Cancer, and Remission

Scientific Reports (Nature) • PMID: 40263376

  • Precancerous metabolic signatures detected
  • Distinction between active disease and remission
  • Y-OR vs N-OR probabilistic classification validated
  • Cross-confirmed with PET/CT imaging and histopathology
View on PubMed

27 Volatile Organic Compound Biomarkers

Selected by Genetic Algorithm-Partial Least Squares (GA-PLS) analysis from 158 detected compounds, these 27 VOCs provide the metabolic fingerprint for classification.

Ketones

3 compounds

Energy metabolism markers indicating cellular respiration patterns

2-Butanone2-Pentanone

Pyrans & Lactones

4 compounds

Cyclic compounds from lipid oxidation and metabolic processes

6-Methyltetrahydro...6-Propyltetrahydro...

Carboxylic Acids

3 compounds

Long-chain fatty acids reflecting lipid metabolism

Dodecanoic acidn-Tetradecanoic acid

Alcohols & Others

17 compounds

Alcohols, hydrocarbons, amines, esters, and organosulfur compounds

1-Decanol1-Dodecanol

Complete Biomarker Panel

1

2,5-Dihydrofuran

Furanic

2

2-Butanone

Ketone

3

2-Methyl-3-buten-2-ol

Alcohol

4

3-Methylhexane

Hydrocarbon

5

2-Pentanone

Ketone

6

1-Methylcyclooctene

Hydrocarbon

7

6-Methyl-7-oxabicyclo[4.1.0]heptan-2-one

Epoxide

8

5-Ethyldihydro-2(3H)-furanone

Lactone

9

6-Methyltetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-one

Pyran

10

2,5-Dimethylaniline

Amine

11

1-Decanol

Alcohol

12

6-Propyltetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-one

Pyran

13

6-Butyltetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-one

Pyran

14

3-Phenylthiophene

Organosulfur

15

N-(3-Acetylphenyl)acetamide

Amide

16

2,3-Dimethylquinoline

Amine

17

1-Dodecanol

Alcohol

18

Dodecanoic acid

Carboxylic acid

19

1-(Decyloxy)decane

Ether

20

Eicosane

Hydrocarbon

21

6-Heptyltetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-one

Pyran

22

n-Tetradecanoic acid

Carboxylic acid

23

7-Octadecanone

Ketone

24

n-Octadecanoic acid

Carboxylic acid

25

n-Octadecanal

Aldehyde

26

Diisobutyl phthalate

Ester

27

Bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate

Ester

Source: PMID 31409861 - Scientific Reports (Nature), 2019

Why Cerumen?

Earwax (cerumen) offers unique advantages as a diagnostic medium compared to traditional blood testing.

Non-Invasive

No needles, no blood draws, no pain. Collection takes under 30 seconds at home.

Stable Compound

VOC biomarkers remain stable for extended periods, unlike blood which requires immediate processing.

Accumulative Data

Cerumen accumulates over weeks, providing a longer-term metabolic picture rather than a single snapshot.

Analytical Methodology

The cerumenogram uses validated headspace gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HS/GC-MS) analysis.

Sample Analysis

  • Headspace incubation: 160°C for 60 minutes
  • Internal standard: 3-methylcyclohexanone
  • Peak threshold: Area/Height ratio > 3
  • Identification via NIST17 spectral library

Classification Model

  • GA-PLS (Genetic Algorithm + Partial Least Squares)
  • 10-fold cross-validation with 10 repetitions
  • Binary encoding (VOC presence/absence)
  • Probabilistic scoring (PLS index)

Deep Dive Research Articles

Explore our comprehensive research breakdowns for detailed analysis of the science.

The CeruLabs test is a wellness screening tool and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Results should be discussed with a healthcare provider. The research cited is for educational purposes.