The biomedical field witnessed significant advancements in 2025, marked by groundbreaking innovations and the revitalization of established technologies. These developments, highlighted by IEEE Spectrum, showcase how both artificial intelligence and legacy systems are reshaping healthcare. From next-generation brain implants to the novel use of Wi-Fi for health monitoring, these stories underline the transformative potential of biomedical technology.
Next-Generation Brain Implants Revolutionize Mental Health Monitoring
A major highlight of the year is the work by researchers from the Georgia Institute of Technology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mt. Sinai, and TeraPixel. They developed a system capable of monitoring brain signals in real time to detect early signs of depression relapse. Psychiatrist Patricio Riva Posse of Emory University School of Medicine described how brain implants provided crucial alerts about a patient’s mental health before she recognized any symptoms. This innovation employs AI to analyze electrical impulses, potentially changing how mental health conditions are treated.
Neurosurgeon Nir Lipsman remarks on the versatility of these implants, stating, “There are so many levers we can press here,” indicating the vast possibilities for enhancing mental health treatment through technology.
Graphene Tattoos and Wi-Fi Innovations Offer New Health Monitoring Methods
Another exciting development comes from Dmitry Kireev at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, where researchers are creating ultra-thin graphene tattoos. These electronic tattoos can monitor vital signs and provide insights into various health conditions, including cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases. Kireev emphasizes their potential impact, noting that nearly half of U.S. adults may be unaware they are in the early stages of such disorders.
In a different approach, scientists at the University of California, Santa Cruz have introduced Pulse-Fi, a low-cost system that uses Wi-Fi signals to detect heartbeats from a distance of up to 10 feet. Led by computer scientist Katia Obraczka, this innovative technology, which costs approximately USD 40, offers a non-intrusive method of heart rate monitoring, promising ease of use across various environments.
Ultrasound and Laser Technologies Transform Treatment Options
Exploring the use of ultrasound, biomedical researchers Sangeeta S. Chavan and Stavros Zanos from the Institute of Bioelectronic Medicine in New York propose that ultrasound waves may offer a precise means of activating neurons. This method could pave the way for alternative treatments for conditions like diabetes and inflammation, minimizing reliance on medication that often comes with side effects. They explain that ultrasound can change a neuron’s voltage by vibrating its membrane, thus stimulating healing.
On another front, a team at the University of Glasgow made strides in imaging technology by successfully shining a laser through a human head. Traditionally, medical imaging has posed a dilemma between cost and depth of insight. Project lead Jack Radford expressed optimism about this breakthrough, stating, “What was thought impossible, we’ve shown to be possible,” hinting at future advancements in non-invasive imaging techniques.
Robotics on the Surgical Frontier
Finally, the integration of robotics into surgery is on the horizon. Researchers at Johns Hopkins University are developing the Smart Tissue Autonomous Robot (STAR), which performed its first autonomous soft-tissue surgery in 2016. While challenges remain, including the development of versatile robotic controllers and adherence to privacy regulations, the prospect of robots assisting in surgeries is becoming increasingly realistic. The authors suggest that a future where patients are greeted by both surgeons and robotic assistants is near.
As the biomedical landscape evolves, IEEE Spectrum remains committed to covering these remarkable stories. The innovations of 2025 underscore the continued merging of technology and healthcare, promising enhanced patient outcomes and a more interconnected understanding of human health.
