University of Chicago researchers introduced a novel liquid biopsy assay leveraging modification patterns in microbiome-derived cell-free RNA to predict colorectal cancer with superior sensitivity versus existing commercial tests. Utilizing a technique called low-input multiple methylation sequencing (LIME-seq), the study identified specific methylation signatures in microbial RNA fragments present in patient plasma. This innovative approach offers promise for early-stage cancer detection by capitalizing on the host microbiome's RNA modifications as reliable biomarkers, potentially advancing non-invasive diagnostics.