AI breakthroughs at ASU: Speech restoration, cancer cell tracking, and fall prevention with wearables

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Researchers at Arizona State University’s (ASU) School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering have made significant headway in their experiments with artificial intelligence (AI) to find solutions for several health challenges.

One study showing promise is an attempt by researchers to restore speech in patients suffering from brain injuries, particularly locked-in syndrome. According to ASU News, patients with locked-in syndrome caused by damage to the brainstem still have cognitive abilities but are incapable of communicating their thoughts.

The research, led by Bradley Greger, an ASU associate professor of neural engineering, explores the use of AI-based tools to assist patients in communicating their thoughts. Per the report, Greger and team members will use a non-invasive technique to study the data from microelectrodes on the brain surface to gain an understanding of language processing in the brain.

Upon completion, Greger says locked-in patients will be able to speak mentally, and an AI tool can interpret their thoughts into clear language. Early studies showed significant promise, with Greger expressing confidence in the broad applicability of the solution after several clinical trials.

Greger disclosed that the AI-based research could be replicated on a “global scale” in managing Parkinson’s and epilepsy, given the round-the-clock monitoring of neural data.

“We have achieved an initial communication rate of 93% accuracy. Out of 100 words, only seven might be wrong,” said Greger. “We are aiming for a model based on human data that can decode with high accuracy, resulting in rapid and clear communication.”

In a separate study, ASU researchers are experimenting with using AI to track the life cycle of cancer cells. Researchers say that monitoring the life cycles can offer critical insights into treating and managing certain cancers, focusing on predicting whether a dormant cancer cell will become active again.

“Coupled with MRI data, which helps us identify specific biological features, AI can help us build a model of the gene regulatory network that combines cell status, genetic proclivity, and biological features to develop patient-specific treatment,” said ASU assistant professor Christopher Plaisier.

Using AI to prevent falls

The third iteration of ASU medical researchers leveraging AI is in fall prevention among older adults. Led by ASU biomedical engineering professor Thurmon Lockhart, ASU’s attempt involves the development of an AI-based tool designed to gather information on older adults without the need to visit hospitals.

The wearable devices, dubbed inertial measurement units (IMUs), will be designed to track data like body posture and blood pressure to make near-accurate fall predictions.

“These profiles can be used generally as related to various conditions, as well as for creating patient-specific risk assessments that clinicians can use to modify patient behavior and activities,” said Lockhart. “For example, if the patient learns to wait a specific amount of time before trying to walk after sitting up in bed, that can be valuable.”

Meta (NASDAQ: META) and Google (NASDAQ: GOOGL) have confirmed their involvement in AI-based medical research exploring speech restoration and cancer treatment. Others focus on integrating emerging technologies to streamline the synthesis of new drugs.

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