Diseases of the brain are among the most challenging disorders to diagnose and treat. Unlike cancer, where human tissue biopsy specimens are routinely collected, brain disorders lack routine access to specimens that are essential to make progress in understanding pathophysiology and developing effective treatments. Currently, most brain diseases are studied in living patients using neuroimaging or invasive cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) collection. New technologies now allow brain-derived substances to be measured in blood, which is revolutionizing the field of neurology. The Wellington lab is currently collaborating with several local neurologists to develop and validate blood biomarkers for several acute and chronic neurological conditions. Highlights of our studies in Alzheimer’s Disease, spinal cord injury and hypoxic ischemic brain injury will be presented. We are also present our program to develop and validate parallel assays that work in rodents to better understand the translational relevance of studies in animal models.