The biomedical field experienced significant advancements in 2025, showcasing a blend of innovative technologies and revitalized legacy methods. IEEE Spectrum highlighted the year’s most impactful stories, focusing on the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and the rejuvenation of traditional technologies. Among these, breakthroughs in brain implants, biosensors, and surgical robotics stood out as pivotal developments for the healthcare landscape.
AI-Driven Brain Implants Offer New Solutions for Mental Health
At the forefront of these innovations is a project led by Patricio Riva Posse from Emory University School of Medicine. He discovered that brain implants could alert patients to declining mental health conditions before they were even aware of their symptoms. This revelation led to the creation of an “automatic alarm system” that monitors electrical impulses in the brain in real time.
The research team, which includes experts from the Georgia Institute of Technology and the Icahn School of Medicine at Mt. Sinai, uses AI to analyze brain signals and identify potential warning signs for mental health relapses. According to neurosurgeon Nir Lipsman, there are numerous possibilities for leveraging these implants in treating depression.
Graphene Tattoos and Wi-Fi Innovations Enhance Health Monitoring
In another exciting development, researchers at the University of Massachusetts Amherst are creating ultra-thin graphene tattoos. These innovative biosensors can monitor vital signs and track complex medical conditions, including cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases. Dmitry Kireev, the lead researcher, noted that these electronic tattoos could help detect early stages of serious health issues—potentially benefiting nearly half of U.S. adults who may be unaware of their conditions.
Meanwhile, researchers at UC Santa Cruz have introduced a novel method called Pulse-Fi, which uses Wi-Fi signals to monitor heart rates from a distance of up to 10 feet. This low-cost technology, priced at approximately USD 40, utilizes AI to analyze heartbeats without requiring constant physical contact. Computer scientist Katia Obraczka, who led the development, expressed plans to commercialize Pulse-Fi due to its affordability and ease of use.
Ultrasound and Lasers Revolutionize Treatment Options
Exploring further into treatment methodologies, biomedical researchers Sangeeta S. Chavan and Stavros Zanos from the Institute of Bioelectronic Medicine in New York are investigating the potential of ultrasound waves to activate neurons. They propose that targeted ultrasound could offer a precise method for treating conditions like inflammation and diabetes, minimizing the side effects associated with traditional medications.
In a groundbreaking experiment, researchers at the University of Glasgow demonstrated that lasers could penetrate the human skull, offering a new avenue for non-invasive imaging techniques. Project lead Jack Radford remarked on the significance of this achievement, stating, “What was thought impossible, we’ve shown to be possible.” This advancement could pave the way for future devices that combine the benefits of affordability and depth in brain imaging.
Robotics Shape the Future of Surgery
The integration of robotics into surgical practices is also gaining momentum. At Johns Hopkins University, the Smart Tissue Autonomous Robot (STAR) has performed its first autonomous soft-tissue surgery in a live animal, marking a significant milestone. Researchers are optimistic about the potential for autonomous robots to assist in surgical procedures. The authors of the related study foresee a future where patients may interact with both surgeons and robotic assistants in the operating room.
These advancements reflect a growing trend towards utilizing both emerging technologies and refining established ones in the biomedical sector. IEEE Spectrum is committed to providing comprehensive coverage of these developments as they continue to evolve throughout 2026 and beyond.
