The LUMEN project, led by Dr. Emanuele Riva from the Department of Mechanical Engineering, delves into the forefront of neurostimulation technology through the development of advanced acoustic metamaterials. Its core focus lies in optimizing transcranial focused ultrasound (tFUS), a non-invasive modality increasingly harnessed to treat movement disorders like Parkinson’s disease and essential tremor. One of the paramount challenges in current tFUS applications is the unintended dispersion of “leaky-Lamb waves,” acoustic waves scattered irregularly by the complex barrier of the human skull. These waves diminish the precision and efficacy of ultrasound brain stimulation, limiting clinical outcomes.

To confront this obstacle, LUMEN proposes a pioneering approach that engineers acoustic metasurfaces capable of controlling the emission direction of these leaky-Lamb waves at their source. Acoustic metasurfaces, a class of precisely arranged nanostructures, manipulate the propagation of sound waves through subwavelength scale modifications. By integrating biocompatible implants fashioned with these metasurfaces, the project aims to significantly refine the focal targeting of ultrasound energy. The anticipated effect is twofold: enhanced accessibility of the technology, and a remarkable increase in the precision of stimulation, especially in previously hard-to-reach peripheral brain regions. This advancement may revolutionize treatment protocols for millions suffering from debilitating tremors and neuropathic pain, extending therapeutic benefits to diverse patient profiles.

Dr. Riva’s background in structural dynamics and elastic wave mechanics underpins this ambitious enterprise. Having earned his PhD with honors from Politecnico di Milano, his research portfolio is distinguished by expertise in metamaterials and wave propagation, encompassing vibration control and energy harvesting technologies. His engagement with academic publications and patents, along with co-founding a specialized company in vibrational acoustics, demonstrates a rare blend of fundamental research and entrepreneurial innovation essential for bridging theoretical concepts with clinical applications.

Parallel to LUMEN’s endeavor, the ALFRED project, spearheaded by Dr. Claudio Conci from the Department of Chemistry, Materials, and Chemical Engineering “Giulio Natta,” embarks on a radically novel diagnostic frontier. ALFRED stands for Positron Annihilation Lifetime Spectroscopy for Revealing and Quantifying Inflammation and Endothelial Diseases. It exploits the particle physics technique of Positron Annihilation Spectroscopy (PAS) to detect early-stage inflammatory signatures with unparalleled resolution and non-invasiveness. Inflammation’s stealthy onset often eludes conventional diagnostic tools until manifest symptoms appear, delaying timely intervention in conditions ranging from cancer to neurodegenerative and cardiovascular diseases.

PAS uniquely harnesses the behavior of positrons—antiparticles of electrons—that, upon interacting with electrons in biological tissue, annihilate and emit gamma rays. The timing and spatial characteristics of this emission can reveal microscopic changes in tissues at the molecular and cellular levels. By adapting this technique to medical imaging, ALFRED seeks to quantify localized inflammation with sensitivity far exceeding existing modalities. This fusion of bioengineering, nuclear medicine, and particle physics could reshape preventive healthcare by intercepting disease processes before irreversible damage ensues.

Dr. Conci, whose academic genesis blends biomedical and bioengineering disciplines, has honed his expertise through multidisciplinary collaborations with Italy’s leading research institutes. His career focus on ethical imaging solutions and miniaturized medical diagnostic devices lays the foundation for ALFRED’s integrative methodology. The project exemplifies the translation of fundamental physics into tangible, life-saving medical technologies.

Politecnico di Milano’s distinction as Italy’s prime locus for Horizon Europe funding underscores its strategic role in fostering scientific excellence. Housing 362 projects amounting to over 175 million euros and securing 39 ERC projects worth over 41 million euros, the institution exemplifies leadership in advancing frontier research. The selection of LUMEN and ALFRED among 478 ERC-funded projects in 2025 highlights their exceptional potential to redefine medical engineering paradigms.

ERC Starting Grants fuel early-career researchers who have recently obtained their doctorates but stand at a critical juncture to embark on independent scientific trajectories. The grants encourage audacious, foundational research peering beyond existing knowledge frontiers. Both projects resonate with this mandate, as they challenge established constraints within their respective domains and engage interdisciplinary synergies.

The potential impact of LUMEN extends beyond treating motor symptoms; by enhancing the precision of ultrasound wave focusing via metamaterial engineering, it opens avenues for neuromodulation therapies targeting a broad spectrum of neurological disorders. Its emphasis on affordability and accessibility further ensures that such advanced treatments may reach underserved populations worldwide, addressing health equity issues intrinsic to medical innovation.

Conversely, ALFRED’s promise lies in revolutionizing diagnostics by unveiling invisible biological processes that underpin inflammation—a precursor to numerous chronic and acute conditions. With the capacity to detect molecular perturbations non-invasively and at an early stage, this technology could enable clinicians to devise personalized treatments, optimize therapeutic windows, and ultimately improve prognoses.

Taken together, these initiatives exemplify how convergence science—melding material science, applied physics, bioengineering, and clinical medicine—can surmount longstanding limitations in healthcare. Their anticipated breakthroughs signify a future where non-invasive, precise, and rapid interventions become standard components of disease management, elevating patient care to unprecedented levels.

As the LUMEN and ALFRED projects forge ahead under the Politecnico di Milano umbrella, their trajectories illuminate the vital landscape where technological innovation intersects with urgent societal health needs. Supported by the visionary backing of the European Research Council, these projects embody the transformative potential of early-stage scientific ambition nurtured within world-class research environments.

The collaborative fabric woven through both projects, spanning multiple disciplines and institutions, reflects the modern ethos of scientific inquiry. It is this intersectional approach that fuels novel methodologies—from manipulating acoustic metamaterials at the microscale to applying positron physics in biological systems—ushering in a new era of medical diagnostics and therapeutics backed by precise, physics-based technologies.

In an era increasingly defined by personalized medicine and minimally invasive interventions, the LUMEN and ALFRED projects position themselves front and center as beacon initiatives. They are poised not only to deepen understanding of complex physiological phenomena but also to translate this knowledge swiftly and safely into patient-centered solutions. The coming years will be pivotal in witnessing how these ERC-funded endeavors reshape the sonic and imaging landscapes underpinning essential neurological and inflammatory disease care.

Subject of Research: Acoustic Metamaterials for Focused Ultrasound Neuromodulation; Positron Annihilation Spectroscopy for Inflammation Detection

Article Title: Pioneering Neuromodulation and Inflammation Diagnostics: Politecnico di Milano’s ERC-Funded Breakthroughs in Medical Engineering

News Publication Date: 2025

Web References:
https://mediasvc.eurekalert.org/Api/v1/Multimedia/69a8ade3-3d36-4432-9738-a036ceaebfb6/Rendition/low-res/Content/Public

Image Credits: Claudio Conci

Keywords: Acoustic Metamaterials, Focused Ultrasound, Neuromodulation, Positron Annihilation Spectroscopy, Inflammation Detection, Biomedical Engineering, Structural Dynamics, Particle Physics, Neurodegenerative Diseases, Medical Imaging, Non-invasive Diagnostics, European Research Council

The carotid artery, a vital blood vessel that supplies blood to the brain, neck, and face, has long been a focal point for cardiovascular research. Atherosclerosis, or the buildup of plaque and fatty materials within the arteries, can severely impede blood flow, leading to serious health issues such as stroke. By tapping into Doppler audio signals, researchers aim to detect these abnormalities at an early stage. In their groundbreaking study, the team has employed advanced signal processing techniques that analyze the frequency shifts in sound waves produced by blood flow in the carotid arteries.

The intricacies of this research are noteworthy. Utilizing high-resolution Doppler ultrasound, scientists measured the frequencies of sound waves as they passed through the arteries. This technology captures the nuances of blood flow dynamics, allowing researchers to infer the presence of atherosclerosis and other vascular conditions with unprecedented accuracy. The study underscores the importance of early detection and continuous monitoring of arterial health, which could result in timely interventions and improved patient outcomes.

One of the standout elements of Gopal et al.’s research is their method of data collection. The team employed non-invasive Doppler ultrasound techniques in a clinical setting, minimizing any discomfort for the patients involved. This approach not only enhances patient compliance but also ensures that the data collected is reliable. With a growing emphasis on patient-centered care, these considerations are paramount in the development of new diagnostic tools.

In addition to the technical aspects of signal processing, the researchers also focused on the algorithms used to analyze the Doppler audio signals. They developed sophisticated computational models that enhanced signal clarity and interpretation, enabling the differentiation between normal and pathological states of the artery. As the researchers suggest, the integration of artificial intelligence within these algorithms could further augment their capabilities, paving the way for automated diagnostic tools that could be employed in various healthcare settings.

Furthermore, the implications of the findings extend beyond mere diagnostics. By fostering a better understanding of carotid artery physiology, Gopal and his team are contributing to the broader field of cardiovascular research. The insights gained from analyzing Doppler audio signals could inform the development of novel therapeutic strategies aimed at mitigating the risks associated with cardiovascular diseases. This holistic approach underscores the interconnectedness of medical research disciplines and highlights the potential for interdisciplinary collaboration.

As the study moves into the next phases of validation and clinical application, the potential for large-scale implementation becomes increasingly apparent. With the rise of telemedicine and remote health monitoring, the researchers envision a future where individuals can access real-time data about their vascular health from the comfort of their homes. This paradigm shift would not only empower patients but also significantly reduce the burden on healthcare facilities, allowing for targeted interventions where most needed.

Moreover, the research draws attention to the need for wellness-oriented healthcare practices. As cardiovascular diseases continue to be a leading cause of mortality globally, the focus on prevention and early detection becomes even more critical. By enhancing our understanding of carotid artery dynamics, this research encourages individuals to adopt proactive measures in maintaining cardiovascular health, such as lifestyle modifications and regular health screenings.

The potential for scalability is another vital aspect of this research. As healthcare infrastructure worldwide continues to evolve, the integration of such advanced non-invasive diagnostic techniques could promise improved outcomes across diverse populations. It offers a beacon of hope for regions that lack access to conventional cardiovascular diagnostic tools, ensuring that essential health measurements are within reach for everyone, regardless of geographic and economic barriers.

Furthermore, as Gopal and colleagues present in their study, there are broader ethical considerations underpinning the use of advanced technologies in healthcare. The integration of AI and machine learning must be approached with caution, ensuring that patient privacy is safeguarded while enhancing diagnostic processes. Establishing clear guidelines and standards will be vital for fostering trust in these new technologies as they are adopted more widely in clinical practice.

In summary, the research conducted by Gopal and his colleagues marks a paradigm shift in the way we approach cardiovascular diagnostics. Through the analysis of Doppler audio signals from the carotid artery, they have showcased significant advancements that promise to enhance early detection and treatment of vascular conditions. As more attention is drawn to the insights gleaned from this work, we can expect a ripple effect throughout the medical community, inspiring further research and innovation in the fields of cardiovascular health and beyond.

The promising findings from this study beckon a future where cardiovascular health monitoring becomes more accessible, personalized, and proactive. As we stand at the precipice of technological advancements in medicine, the commitment to enhancing patient outcomes through research like that of Gopal et al. will undoubtedly shape the future landscape of healthcare.

Subject of Research: Analysis of Doppler Audio Signals from the Carotid Artery

Article Title: Analysis of Doppler Audio Signals from the Carotid Artery

Article References: Gopal, T.V.V., Ghori, I., Eranki, A. et al. Analysis of Doppler Audio Signals from the Carotid Artery. J. Med. Biol. Eng. 45, 198–210 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40846-025-00934-7

Image Credits: AI Generated

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40846-025-00934-7

Keywords: Doppler audio signals, carotid artery, cardiovascular health, ultrasound diagnostics, signal processing, early detection, atherosclerosis, patient-centered care, artificial intelligence, telemedicine.