Researchers at the University of Chicago developed a new liquid biopsy test detecting colorectal cancer through methylation modifications in microbiome-derived cell-free RNA in plasma. Utilizing low-input multiple methylation sequencing (LIME-seq), the assay identifies microbial RNA modification signatures that outperform existing non-invasive commercial tests. Published in Nature Biotechnology, the study reveals up to 77% accuracy in distinguishing patients with colorectal cancer, representing a novel biomarker approach beyond traditional tumor DNA analysis. This advancement offers potential for earlier and more sensitive diagnosis of colorectal cancer through plasma testing.