Events

Register – Listening to the Heart: In-Ear Infrasonic Technology for Blood Pressure and Beyond

Zoom Registration: https://umass-amherst.zoom.us/meeting/register/b7Qip75BSvmSItRN9aqUtA Abstract: This talk will highlight the results of MindMics’ recent feasibility study on non-invasive blood pressure monitoring using in-ear infrasonic signals. Dr. Barnacka will discuss how this novel technology, validated through clinical research, can be integrated into both consumer earbuds and hearing aids, creating a new class of connected health devices. The presentation will explore the underlying infrasonic science, algorithmic advances, and the broader impact on cardiovascular health, preventive care, and data-driven wellness ecosystems. Biography: Anna Barnacka, Founder and CEO, MindMics Inc. Dr. Anna Barnacka is the Founder and CEO of MindMics, a Boston-based healthtech company pioneering “In-Ear Infrasonic Hemodynography (IH)” — a patented technology that transforms earbuds and hearing aids into clinical-grade heart-health monitors. With dual PhDs in Physics and Astronomy and a NASA Einstein Fellowship at Harvard, Anna bridges physics,…

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Past Webinar – No One Left Behind: Building Low-Cost Wearables for Low-Income Communities, Longfei Shangguan

Abstract: Wearable devices such as Apple Watch and Fitbit wristband allow users to track their health statistics around the clock. They have become increasingly popular over the past few years. However, in the context of low-income areas of United States, these wearable devices are still pricey and thus constitute a critical bottleneck in their adoption. In this talk, I will present our past and ongoing works on repurposing electronic wastes, particularly everyday earphones into health trackers - from heart rate monitoring, heart sound recovery, all the way down to pulse wave velocity estimation in home settings. I will also discuss the potential of these technologies for filling the gap of remote health care. I believe this research creates a holistic approach toward recycling and repurposing electronic waste while fostering a sustainable and equitable future. Biography:…

Continue ReadingPast Webinar – No One Left Behind: Building Low-Cost Wearables for Low-Income Communities, Longfei Shangguan

Past Webinar – Intelligent Mobile Systems for an Aging World, Justin Chan (September 23, 2025 @4pm ET)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EUH-9jR48Fo Abstract: By 2050, older adults will make up about 22% of the global population, driving an urgent need for accessible and reliable health technologies. In this talk, I will present our work on intelligent mobile systems designed for older adults. The first enables low-cost health screening using everyday earphones and wireless earbuds. The second is an ambient sensing system that uses smart devices to detect emergent, life-threatening events such as cardiac arrest. The third leverages compact AI-enabled radios for cardiovascular monitoring, including blood pressure. Through these examples, I will show how computational and sensing techniques that generalize across hardware and operate in real-world environments can address pressing societal challenges. Biography: Justin Chan, PhD, Assistant Professor at Carnegie Mellon University Justin is an assistant professor in CS and ECE at Carnegie Mellon University, where he…

Continue ReadingPast Webinar – Intelligent Mobile Systems for an Aging World, Justin Chan (September 23, 2025 @4pm ET)

Past Webinar – Technological Advancements in Functional Assessments and Fall Prevention, John Ralston and Hamed Tabkhi

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=37KcJYSMRHE Overview: This webinar gives an overview of two of the MassAITC pilot projects.  John Ralston, from Neursantys describes their work on bioelectronic restoration of the body’s aging balance system.  In addition, Hamed Tabkhi of ForesightCares discusses their product, AVA, which is an AI-powered, video-based mobile app designed to enable clinically grounded fall risk assessments directly in the home. Abstracts: Wearable diagnostic sensors and personalized bioelectronic therapeutics for the treatment of neurophysiological conditions Bioelectronics has been an important component of modern medicine for more than half a century, because of the ability to provide functional recovery for conditions with limited pharmaceutical treatment options. Bioelectronic devices have now received regulatory approval for a growing range of medical conditions and have been shown to provide effective treatment for a growing range of neurological conditions.In this talk we will review the…

Continue ReadingPast Webinar – Technological Advancements in Functional Assessments and Fall Prevention, John Ralston and Hamed Tabkhi

Past Webinar – The Impact of Light Exposure on Sleep: A Pilot Study, Erik Page (Blue Iris Labs)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BcBlsqpNYeg Abstract: Light exposure is the primary regulator of human circadian rhythms, influencing many aspects of our physiology and behavior, including sleep, alertness, and mood, as well as many neuroendocrine and cognitive functions. While we have evolved experiencing “bright days and dark nights,” most of us now experience significantly darker days and brighter nights than our pre-modern ancestors, likely resulting in widespread circadian disruption. And as we age, the relationship between light exposure, circadian rhythms, and sleep can be further compromised both through normal aging (e.g., less light reaching the retina due to clouding of the lens) and age-related risk factors, such as Alzheimer’s Disease (AD), which is known to damage the brain’s master clock. This webinar will review the current science related to light exposure, circadian rhythms, and sleep, looking at aging and AD…

Continue ReadingPast Webinar – The Impact of Light Exposure on Sleep: A Pilot Study, Erik Page (Blue Iris Labs)

Past Webinar – Harnessing the Power of Technology to Change the Way We Age, Alex Glazebrook (OATS from AARP)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Ao6Sif3Q5Y Abstract: Our society is aging alongside a rapid increase in the evolution and advancement of technology that mediates daily life. The use and adoption of technology by older adults has increased in the recent past, but differences remain with their younger counterparts and the effects of digital disconnection in later life are more acute. This session will present recent technology adoption and use trends among older adults as well as accompanying solutions that can aid in the adoption of technology by older adults, including future directions and expected developments. Biography: Alex Glazebrook, PhD, VP of Programs at Older Adults Technology Services from AARP As VP of Programs, Alex Glazebrook is responsible for ensuring an outstanding experience for the older adults who participate in the many training and support programs that OATS offers. Alex earned…

Continue ReadingPast Webinar – Harnessing the Power of Technology to Change the Way We Age, Alex Glazebrook (OATS from AARP)

Past Webinar – Progress in Personalizing Content and Dosing of a Physical Activity Promotion Intervention, David E. Conroy

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rzI9xjFMRsg Abstract: The Michigan Roybal Center aims to develop physical activity interventions for middle-age and older adults that engage validated mechanisms for adhering to behavior change following the end of active intervention support. This talk will review our ongoing work (a) to develop person-specific dosing algorithms to select the content and timing of text messages and (b) to engineer prompts for generative artificial intelligence systems to author message content that activates affective motivational processes to promote physical activity. The long-term objective of fusing these personalization strategies is to improve adherence to behavior change and reduce risk for Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. Biography: David Conroy, PhD, Professor and the Bickner Chair in Kinesiology at the University of Michigan Dr. Conroy is a Professor and the Bickner Chair in Kinesiology at the University of Michigan where he…

Continue ReadingPast Webinar – Progress in Personalizing Content and Dosing of a Physical Activity Promotion Intervention, David E. Conroy