Wearable Human Body

Engineers at Georgia Tech’s College of Engineering have developed a wireless system that allows wearable devices and tiny medical implants to communicate directly through the body’s tissues. Called SWANS (Smart Wireless Autonomous Networking System), the technology takes inspiration from the nervous system and uses the body’s natural ionic conductivity to transmit small electrical signals. Unlike conventional Bluetooth or NFC connections, which struggle to penetrate tissue and require relatively large antennas and substantial power, SWANS enables sensors and therapeutic devices located in different parts of the body to coordinate without being physically connected or positioned close together.

The researchers demonstrated the approach by creating a network of sensors and neural interfaces that coordinated limb movement in an animal model. Because the system requires very little power, implants can be made smaller than 3 millimeters, potentially allowing them to be inserted using a syringe rather than surgery. Sensors could eventually detect biological changes and automatically instruct another device to deliver medication, stimulate a nerve, or perform another therapeutic action at the appropriate location. Researchers vision SWANS as a step toward personalized bioelectronic medicine in which distributed sensors, wearables, and implants work together to monitor health and deliver treatments when needed.

More information:

https://coe.gatech.edu/news/2026/09/engineers-connect-health-wearables-and-implants-using-body-network

Smart Contact Lens Measures Stress Through Tears

Researchers have developed a lab on a contact lens capable of detecting serotonin in tears, potentially enabling continuous, noninvasive monitoring of stress and other physiological changes. The soft, reusable hydrogel lens incorporates flexible graphene and silver electrodes, with ferrocene helping it selectively detect extremely low serotonin concentrations. Laboratory tests showed sensitivity well below typical serotonin levels found in human tears, while experiments involving 10 volunteers found that tear serotonin decreased after stressful public-speaking and mathematics tasks. Testing on an anesthetized pig also demonstrated serotonin detection without signs of short-term irritation or infection.

The technology could eventually shift wearable health monitoring beyond physical measurements such as heart rate and temperature toward continuous biochemical sensing. Researchers have already produced a proof-of-concept wireless version using NFC for battery-free sensing and smartphone data transmission. However, substantial validation and safety testing remain necessary, particularly to understand how tear serotonin varies among individuals and relates to blood biomarkers and clinical assessments. Future versions could simultaneously measure serotonin, cortisol, and other molecules, potentially turning contact lenses into wearable platforms that provide a richer picture of stress and physiological health throughout everyday life.

More information:

https://spectrum.ieee.org/serotonin-stress-smart-contact-lens

Brain Waves May Underpin Cognition and Consciousness

A new theory from MIT proposes that cognition and consciousness emerge partly through analog computations performed by traveling electrical brain waves, rather than solely through fixed neural circuits and synaptic connections. While synapses provide the underlying infrastructure for storing memories, goals, and knowledge, researchers argue that they are too slow to explain the brain’s ability to rapidly reorganize information. Instead, rhythmic waves coordinate large populations of neurons in real time. Slower alpha and beta waves may regulate faster gamma activity associated with sensory information, dynamically determining which neural ensembles become active at places and moments. The interaction and interference of these waves could therefore enable parallel, analog forms of spatiotemporal computing.

The researchers extend this framework to consciousness, proposing that conscious experience emerges when brain-wave patterns organize activity across the cortex into a coherent, globally integrated state. Evidence from anesthesia studies supports this possibility: different anesthetic drugs can produce unconsciousness while disrupting large-scale wave dynamics despite acting through different molecular mechanisms. However, the authors emphasize that this remains a theory, and direct experimental evidence that brain waves perform the proposed analog computations is still needed. If confirmed, the framework could reshape models of cognition and potentially inspire treatments that target brain-wave dynamics, which can sometimes be influenced non-invasively.

More information:

https://www.technology.org/2026/09/19/cognition-and-consciousness-arise-from-analog-computations-says-new-theory/

Brain Implant Enables Speech and Gestures Through an Avatar

Researchers at the University of California developed a BCI that allows people with severe paralysis to communicate using both speech and upper-body gestures through a digital avatar. The system uses one implant containing 253 electrodes positioned on the surface of the sensorimotor cortex to capture neural activity associated with attempted speech and movements. Machine-learning algorithms decode these signals in real time, enabling an animated avatar to speak while simultaneously performing gestures such as waving or nodding. The study involved two participants with severe paralysis and demonstrated that neural signals for speech and movement can be extracted from the same cortical region and translated into coordinated communication.

The research represents a step toward BCIs that reproduce the richness of natural human communication rather than simply generating text, speech, or cursor movements. Because conversation relies heavily on non-verbal cues, combining vocal expression with gestures could make interactions more intuitive and socially expressive for people affected by conditions such as ALS or brainstem stroke. Importantly, the findings suggest that a single neural interface can support multiple functions simultaneously, potentially reducing the need for separate implants dedicated to different tasks. The researchers ultimately envision multifunctional systems capable of restoring a broader range of communication and interaction abilities for people with severe paralysis.

More information:

https://www.science.org/content/article/single-brain-implant-lets-paralyzed-people-both-talk-and-gesture-avatar

Brain Implant Controlled Across Continents

Researchers from KAIST and Yonsei University have demonstrated a wireless brain implant that can be controlled across continents. Their system, called RAPIDO, received commands sent from Chicago to a laboratory in Daejeon, South Korea with an average response time of about 109 milliseconds. Designed for experiments with freely moving animals, the implant combines two capabilities: precisely delivering drugs into specific brain regions and providing targeted light stimulation for optogenetic experiments. Its refillable cartridge and internet-based control could enable longer-term studies while reducing the need for researchers to physically approach or repeatedly handle experimental animals.

In experiments with rats, RAPIDO successfully delivered controlled doses of cocaine into the nucleus accumbens over several weeks, producing measurable dose-dependent behavioral effects. In a separate experiment, researchers used the implant's light stimulation to activate the RhoA signaling pathway, preventing rats from developing the same learned preference for a cocaine-associated environment. The researchers stress that this does not constitute a treatment for addiction; rather, the work demonstrates a platform for remotely manipulating specific neural processes and studying their effects on behavior. Significant challenges must be addressed before such technology could be considered for human clinical applications.

More information:

https://www.sciencealert.com/a-brain-implant-in-korea-was-just-controlled-from-the-us

AI-Designed Viruses Raise Safety Concerns

Scientists at Stanford University have created what are described as the first functional viruses whose genomes were designed by artificial intelligence. Researchers used genome language models called Evo1 and Evo2, trained on genetic information from about 2 million bacteriophages, viruses that infect bacteria, to generate thousands of candidate viral genomes. Nearly 300 were synthesised in the laboratory, producing 16 viable bacteriophages. A mixture of these AI-designed viruses successfully attacked strains of E. coli that had developed resistance to naturally occurring phages, demonstrating potential for developing more adaptable phage therapies against antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections.

The breakthrough also raises significant biosafety and biosecurity concerns because it demonstrates that generative AI can design complete, biologically functional viral genomes. The researchers deliberately excluded genetic data from viruses that infect humans, animals and plants, but experts warn that similar approaches applied to pathogenic organisms could create novel biological threats. Biosecurity specialists therefore argue that governance needs to develop alongside the technology, combining controls on AI-model development and access with responsible research oversight, DNA-synthesis screening, laboratory biosafety and restrictions on potentially dangerous genome production.

More information:

https://www.theguardian.com/science/2026/aug/06/safety-fears-as-scientists-make-first-viruses-designed-by-ai

Brain Implant Helps Paralysed Man Regain Independence

Researchers have developed a groundbreaking double neural bypass brain–computer interface that enabled a patient, who was paralysed from the chest down after a 2020 diving accident, to regain the ability to feed himself, drink from a cup, and perform everyday tasks independently. The system uses implanted brain electrodes to detect his intention to move, transmitting those signals directly to his arm and hand muscles while simultaneously sending sensory information back to the brain, allowing him to feel touch again. After 35 weeks of therapy, his arm strength improved dramatically, and he was able to handle delicate objects such as eggshells with remarkable precision.

Beyond restoring movement, the researchers found evidence that the technology may promote long-term healing of the nervous system rather than simply bypassing the spinal injury. By combining brain stimulation with sensory feedback and a technique called cortical mirroring, the patient regained sensation in areas that had been numb since his accident, with improvements persisting for more than two years after treatment. Although the results currently come from a single patient and larger clinical trials are still needed, the study represents a major advance in neuroprosthetics and offers new hope for millions of people living with paralysis.

More information:

https://www.theguardian.com/science/2026/jul/16/neural-bypass-brain-implant-paralysed-man-feed-himself-drink-from-cup

Wearable Robotic Glove Restores Hand Function

Researchers from the Medical University of Vienna, working with collaborators from ETH Zurich, the Technical University of Munich, and the University of Belgrade, have developed a wearable neurorobotic system designed to restore hand function in people with severe neurological impairments. The system combines a lightweight robotic hand exoskeleton with functional electrical stimulation (FES), which activates weakened muscles through carefully timed electrical impulses. By synchronizing robotic assistance with the user's own muscle activity, the device enables more natural and coordinated grasping and finger movements than conventional rehabilitation approaches.

The researchers evaluated the system in individuals with spinal cord injuries and stroke-related hand paralysis, demonstrating significant improvements in performing everyday tasks such as grasping and manipulating objects. Unlike existing rehabilitation devices that often rely solely on robotics or electrical stimulation, the hybrid approach leverages the strengths of both technologies, promoting functional recovery while encouraging active patient participation. The team believes the wearable system could support both clinical rehabilitation and home-based therapy, offering a practical solution for improving independence and quality of life for people with impaired hand function.

More information:

https://www.news-medical.net/news/20260619/Scientists-develop-wearable-robotic-system-to-restore-hand-function.aspx

New Tool Detects AI Vision Hallucinations

Researchers at Los Alamos National Laboratory have developed a new tool called the Prelim Attention Score (PAS) to detect hallucinations in vision-language AI models, systems that combine image analysis with large language models. These models can sometimes generate descriptions of objects or details that are not actually present in an image. PAS works by monitoring how much the AI relies on the visual input versus its own previously generated text while producing a response, helping identify when the model is beginning to make things up.

The method operates in real time and can be integrated into existing vision-language models. By analyzing internal attention patterns, PAS provides a score indicating the likelihood of hallucination, allowing developers and users to assess the reliability of AI-generated outputs. The approach achieves state-of-the-art accuracy in detecting hallucinations and could improve the safety and trustworthiness of AI systems used in applications such as autonomous vehicles, healthcare imaging, robotics, and security monitoring.

More information:

https://interestingengineering.com/ai-robotics/us-tool-hallucinations-machine-vision-model

AI Brain Implant Restores Communication and Employment for ALS Patient

Researchers at the University of California, Davis have demonstrated a major advance in brain–computer interface (BCI) technology that enabled a 47-year-old patient with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) to communicate, control a computer, and maintain full-time employment despite losing the ability to speak. The implanted system uses AI-driven decoding algorithms to translate neural activity associated with intended speech into text and synthesized speech, while also providing cursor control for independent computer use. Over more than two years of daily use, the patient generated nearly two million words and over 183,000 sentences, achieving communication speeds of about 56 words per minute with high accuracy.

The study is considered a significant milestone because the system functioned reliably outside the laboratory and without constant researcher supervision. Researchers reported that the participant accumulated more than 3,800 hours of use, creating the largest known single-neuron-resolution brain recording dataset of its kind. Beyond restoring communication, the technology allowed the user to reconnect socially, preserve aspects of his natural voice, and continue professional work, highlighting how AI-enhanced BCIs are moving from experimental demonstrations toward practical tools that can meaningfully improve quality of life for people with severe paralysis.

More information:

https://www.theregister.com/science/2026/06/16/ai-and-brain-computer-interface-allow-speechless-als-patient-to-work-a-full-time-job/5256492

A Robot Companion Supporting Independent Aging

Researchers in New Hampshire are testing a socially assistive robot called Robbie to help older adults remain independent at home. The robot, based on Hello Robot’s Stretch 4 platform, assists elderly by providing exercise guidance, medication and meal reminders, hydration prompts, and personal hygiene cues. Developed through a collaboration between the University of New Hampshire and the National Institute on Aging, the project aims to address growing shortages of home-care workers while supporting aging populations who wish to remain in their own homes.

Unlike the humanoid robots often portrayed in science fiction, Robbie prioritizes functionality over appearance. Equipped with cameras, sensors, and a mobile platform, it can monitor routines, deliver reminders, and assist with everyday tasks, reducing the burden on family caregivers. Although the system currently costs nearly $30,000 and remains in an early adoption phase, researchers view it as a practical example of how robotics could complement human care in the coming decades as demand for elder-support services continues to rise.

More information:

https://apnews.com/article/robot-elder-care-companion-946ce0517281381950e72f088b0eda89

Monkeys Navigate VR with Thought

Researchers have unveiled a new intracortical brain–computer interface (BCI) that enables macaque monkeys to navigate complex 3D virtual reality environments using only their brain activity. Developed using neural signals from multiple brain regions, including the primary motor cortex and both dorsal and ventral premotor cortices, the system significantly improves the precision and flexibility of decoding real-time movement compared to earlier BCIs. The study demonstrates how combining signals from these areas allows for more natural and continuous control in immersive digital spaces.

In experimental trials, the monkeys successfully completed navigation tasks in VR without any physical movement, relying solely on neural input. They also showed the ability to learn and improve performance over time, with the system generalizing across different tasks without requiring retraining. Researchers highlight the potential of this technology for real-world applications, particularly in assisting people with paralysis to control wheelchairs, prosthetic devices, or explore virtual environments. The findings mark an important step toward more intuitive and adaptive brain-controlled interfaces.

More information:

https://www.rdworldonline.com/new-brain-computer-interface-allows-monkeys-to-navigate-3d-virtual-reality/

Dancer Returns to Stage Using Brain-Controlled Avatar

A groundbreaking performance has demonstrated how emerging brain–computer interface technology can restore artistic expression for people living with severe neurological conditions. A ballerina diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) has returned to the stage using a digital avatar controlled by her brainwaves. Wearing an EEG-based headset, the dancer was able to translate imagined movements into real-time digital choreography, allowing her avatar to perform alongside other dancers in a live production. The initiative highlights the growing potential of neurotechnology to bridge physical limitations and enable new forms of creative participation.

Developed through a collaboration between technology and creative teams, the system captures neural signals associated with movement intention and converts them into computer-generated motion. The project not only enabled the performer to reconnect with dance after losing muscular control, but also signals broader applications in rehabilitation, accessibility, and inclusive performance arts. Researchers and developers emphasize that such innovations could transform how individuals with mobility impairments engage with culture, offering scalable solutions that extend beyond the stage into healthcare and assistive technologies.

More information:

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cgqkz5lzvnwo

Digital Twin Hearts Improve Arrhythmia Care

A recent clinical study describes a novel approach to treating ventricular tachycardia, a life-threatening heart rhythm disorder responsible for hundreds of thousands of deaths annually. Researchers at Johns Hopkins University created highly detailed “digital twins” of patients’ hearts using MRI scans and other personalized data. These virtual models allowed doctors to simulate different treatment strategies before performing the actual procedure, helping identify the most effective areas to target.

In a small trial of 10 patients, the results were promising: after more than a year, eight patients experienced no recurrence of arrhythmia, and most were able to stop medication. The approach may also reduce procedure time and improve safety by avoiding unnecessary damage to healthy tissue. However, researchers emphasize that this is an early-stage study, and larger trials are needed to confirm effectiveness and expand the method to other conditions such as atrial fibrillation or even cancer treatment.

More information:

https://apnews.com/article/heart-disease-arrhythmia-ventricular-tachycardia-73086c0c3df8758380bef539940fa826

China Approves World’s First Commercial Brain Implant

China has approved the world’s first brain implant for commercial use, marking a major milestone in the development of brain–computer interface (BCI) technology. The device is designed primarily for people with spinal cord injuries, enabling them to regain some lost motor function, such as hand movement, by translating brain signals into commands for external devices. Unlike earlier experimental systems, this implant has moved beyond clinical trials into the market, signaling a shift from research to real-world medical application.

The approval also reflects China’s broader ambition to lead in emerging technologies, including BCIs, where it is competing with efforts in the United States and elsewhere. While technology shows promise to restore mobility and improving quality of life, it also raises important ethical and safety considerations, such as long-term effects, data privacy, and the risks of invasive procedures. Overall, the development represents both a breakthrough in assistive medicine and a significant step toward more widespread use of BCIs in the coming years.

More information:

https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/china-just-approved-its-first-brain-implant-for-commercial-use-a-world-first/

3D Printing Tiny Structures Inside Living Cells

Researchers have, for the first time, developed a method to 3D-print microscopic structures directly inside living human cells by injecting a biocompatible photoresin and using two-photon polymerization with a laser to solidify it into detailed shapes like barcodes, geometric forms, and even a tiny 10-micrometer elephant; many of the cells not only survived this process but continued to live and divide, passing the embedded structure to daughter cells.

This early proof-of-concept breakthrough could pave the way for entirely new intracellular bioengineering tools and applications, such as tracking cells with internal barcodes, probing cellular mechanics, creating microscopic machines or sensors inside cells, and eventually enabling advanced capabilities like targeted drug delivery or engineered biological functions beyond what is possible with current techniques.

More information:

https://www.discovermagazine.com/a-3d-printed-elephant-inside-a-living-cell-signals-a-bioengineering-breakthrough-48730

Blink-Powered Eye Tracker

Researchers at Qingdao University in China have developed an innovative self-powered eye-tracking system that could dramatically improve accessibility for people with severe mobility impairments, such as those with ALS. Traditional eye-tracking devices can help users type or steer wheelchairs using gaze alone, but they tend to be bulky, require external power, and struggle in low-light conditions. The new system uses triboelectric nanogenerators to harvest tiny electrical charges generated by the friction of eyelids blinking to both power the device and serve as a precise sensor.

It achieves around 99% tracking precision, detects subtle eye movements, works even in complete darkness, and is lightweight and comfortable, like wearing regular glasses. Because it doesn’t rely on batteries or heavy hardware, this blink-powered tracker could make gaze-based control more practical and empowering for daily use. Beyond helping paralyzed patients communicate or operate wheelchairs, the technology might find applications in fields like space exploration (where hands-free controls are valuable), driver monitoring in vehicles, and energy-efficient virtual-reality systems.

More information:

https://interestingengineering.com/science/blink-powered-eye-tracker-paralyzed-patients

Real-Time Speech-to-Text App for Deaf Users

A technology company in Nagoya has developed a new smartphone app designed to help people who are deaf or hard of hearing by converting spoken language into text in real time. The app uses advanced speech-recognition algorithms to transcribe what others are saying into readable captions instantly, filling a gap left by existing tools that often struggle with accuracy or lag.

This innovation is aimed at improving everyday communication for users, making conversations more accessible without needing a human interpreter or manual input. By leveraging recent advances in artificial intelligence and machine learning, the app can handle nuanced speech patterns and offer translations as well, supporting smoother interaction in various contexts such as social situations, work, or public services.

More information:

https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/16206171

Virtual Reality Brings Connection and Joy to Senior Living

Virtual reality is being used in retirement communities to help older adults combat social isolation and enrich their daily lives. Residents at places in California use VR headsets to virtually explore new places, revisit meaningful memories, and take part in shared activities like underwater swims or concerts. These immersive experiences often spark conversation, improve cognitive engagement, and strengthen connections among peers who may otherwise struggle with loneliness.

Researchers and caregivers see VR as especially accessible for seniors compared with other technologies, and early evidence suggests it can support emotional well-being and social interaction without replacing traditional activities. They emphasize that while VR should complement rather than replace real-world engagement, it has shown potential benefits for those with memory challenges, including positive responses to virtual hikes and other simulations.

More information:

https://apnews.com/article/virtual-reality-senior-living-social-isolation-b20dc156f4aa0735d7f0cc7558de9bfc

AI Co-Pilot for More Natural Prosthetic Hands

Researchers at the University of Utah have developed an AI co-pilot system for prosthetic bionic hands that uses advanced sensors and machine learning to make gripping and manipulation more intuitive and natural for users. By equipping commercial prosthetic hands with pressure and proximity sensors and training an AI model to interpret that data, the system can autonomously adjust finger positions and grip force in real time, significantly improving success rates in tasks like picking up fragile objects.

The shared-control approach balances human intention with AI assistance, reducing cognitive burden and addressing a major reason many amputees abandon their prosthetics. Early studies show greater dexterity and precision compared with traditional myoelectric control, and the team is exploring future enhancements like tighter neural integration to further blur the line between artificial and natural limb control as the technology moves toward real-world use.

More information:

https://arstechnica.com/ai/2025/12/scientists-built-an-ai-co-pilot-for-prosthetic-bionic-hands/