Smart NeuroChips for Next-Generation Brain Health Technologies

Abstract

Neural interface technologies hold great promise for transforming the diagnosis and treatment of brain disorders that remain unresponsive to conventional therapies. Over the past decade, advances in neural interface microsystems have been remarkable, yet existing clinical-grade technologies remain limited in their therapeutic potential. In this talk, I will present an overview of our research on integrating modern machine learning techniques into neural interface System-on-Chips (SoCs). These intelligent and highly miniaturized devices are being developed for a range of applications, including epilepsy, movement disorders, and mental health conditions, as well as for the next generation of brain–computer interfaces (BCIs).

About

Mahsa Shoaran is an Assistant Professor in the Center for Neuroprosthetics and Electrical Engineering Institute of EPFL, and director of the Integrated Neurotechnologies Laboratory. Her research interests broadly include circuit, system, and algorithm design for diagnostic and therapeutic applications. Mahsa is a recipient of the 2021 ERC Starting Grant, the 2019 Google Faculty Research Award in Machine Learning, the Swiss NSF Postdoctoral Fellowships, and the NSF Award for Young Professionals Contributing to Smart and Connected Health. She was named a Rising Star in EECS by MIT in 2015. She is a member of TPC for IEEE CICC and the SRP committee for ISSCC.

Wound Initiative

Abstract

The objective of Wound Initiative is the design of a precision, self-care integrated system to understand, simulate, and monitor skin wound evolution. Our aim is to develop self-care wearables for spatiotemporal wound monitoring and patient-specific, timely wound treatment. The uniqueness of our approach lies in the coupling of these activities with in-depth analytical and molecular characterization of early phases in chronic wound formation as well as advanced in vitro models that allow us to simulate chronic wound responses to new treatments. For instance, we will specifically investigate new biological markers that could better assist clinical decision making. The wearables developed by Empa will assist clinicians in detecting signs of infection or wound deterioration early on and, accordingly, enable delivery of a precise, personalized, and timely wound treatment.

About

Dr Boesel has a Bachelor and Master in Materials Engineering from the Federal Univ. of São Carlos (Brazil), and a PhD in Materials Science and Technology (Biomaterials) from the Univ. of Minho (Portugal). Before joining Empa in 2010, he was a Marie Curie Research Fellow at the Institute of Science and Technology of Polymers (CSIC, Spain) and an Alexander von Humboldt Fellow at the Max-Planck Institute for Polymer Research (Germany).

The role of environmental stressors for human health: insights from projects on traffic noise exposure and on light pollution

Abstract

Urban green spaces have long been discussed as a resource for promoting public health, however urban environments are generally marked by high levels of road traffic noise, recognized as a major environmental stressor. I will present study results on the role of road traffic noise for stress reduction on psychological restoration in different kinds of urban environments (forests/built areas). Furthermore in urban environments one encounters high levels of artificial light at night, associated with negative health impacts on natural environments and public health. In this part of the presentation I will address the questions (1) how light color temperatures influence human well-being and (2) how citizens’ perceptions of artificial light (feeling of safety, awareness of impact, support for mitigation measures) influence the mitigation of anthropogenic light impacts.

About

I am an environmental psychologist exploring the impact of nature (experience) on human health and in particular the effect on well-being and stress reduction with diverse methods (e.g. surveys, standardized scales, physiological measurements, e.g. cortiol) in order to be able to address planning issues more precisely. With this research topic we are making an important scientific contribution to the Federal Council's 2020-2030 health policy strategy, which aims to achieve high landscape quality as a means of promoting recreation and health.

Advancing Inclusion through Rehabilitation and Assistive Technologies

Abstract

Nearly one third of the world’s population could benefit from rehabilitation to overcome limitations that restrict independence and participation in society. Rehabilitation and assistive technologies are essential in meeting this global challenge, offering ways to restore function, support daily activities, and promote inclusion. The ETH Rehab Initiative brings together expertise from engineering, health sciences, rehabilitation clinics and industry to foster innovation and translation. By aligning with national and global initiatives, these efforts contribute to advancing inclusion across the continuum of care.

About

Roger Gassert is a Professor of Rehabilitation Engineering at ETH Zurich. His research centers on the development and clinical validation of technologies to explore, assess, and restore sensorimotor function in neurological disorders, with the goal of improving independence. Gassert is Vice-Chair of the ETH Competence Centre for Rehabilitation Engineering and Science and co-founder of ETH spin-offs Auxivo and Optohive.

From Target to Treatment: Advancing Radionuclide Development for the Next Generation Radiotheranostics

Abstract

Radioactive cancer drugs (radiopharmaceuticals) have recently gained significant interest in the pharmaceutical industry due to their specific mode of action and despite the associated logistic challenges. The Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI) is pioneering radiotheranostic approaches—combining the therapeutic and diagnostic features of radionuclides in one and the same targeting molecule—through the development and exploration of new radionuclides. Many previously overlooked, physical properties of radionuclides could dramatically improve both diagnosis and patient outcomes. To expand these unique opportunities, PSI is constructing the TATTOOS facility as part of the research infrastructure project IMPACT to produce medical radionuclides that otherwise cannot be produced in sufficient quantities for clinical use. By integrating PSI's existing research capabilities and expertise in close collaboration with clinical know-how at the University Hospital Zürich, TATTOOS creates an unprecedented platform for the development of next-generation radiotheranostics.

About

Prof. Roger Schibli has been a Professor at the Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences (ETH Zurich, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences) since 2010 and is Head of the Center for Radiopharmaceutical Science (CRS), a collaboration between ETH Zurich and the Paul Scherrer Institute. Prof. Schibli studied chemistry at the University of Basel in Switzerland and received his doctorate from the Paul Scherrer Institute. After a two-year postdoctoral fellowship in the US, he joined ETH Zurich in 2004.

Wastewater-based Epidemiology