A team of cross-disciplinary researchers at Arizona State University (ASU) is working to develop a software which patients with neurological disorders may easily use to assess their disease progression. Through an analysis of speech patterns, doctors will also be able to monitor patients’ current state and predict their future needs. The hope is that this technology will also provide insight which could allow for the earlier diagnosis of those with a genetic predisposition for various conditions.
One of the best parts of this new technology is that it is extremely easy to use. Its all in an app which patients can use in the comfort of their own home. They are simply asked to say various words or phrases (dependent on their diagnosis) into their phone. These are recorded and systematically analyzed. It allows physicians to monitor patients’ progress day to day, in real time, as opposed to having to wait for doctors’ appointments. It could be beneficial for Parkinson’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and other conditions.
The company who is investigating the potential of this innovative technology is called Aural Analytics.
Aural Analytics
Aural Analytics was founded by Julie Liss and Visar Berisha, two ASU professors. Then entrepreneur Daniel Jones joined the team, first as a mentor, and then stepping in as CEO.
The company has been awarded 4.3 million dollars in funding. Most recently, they’ve won a National Science Foundation (NSF) Small Business Innovation Research Phase 2 grant. This grant will be specifically used to expand their scope. Now, the organization will be able to collect data from across the world.
Liss’ background in speech neuroscience and speech language pathology, and Berisha’s experience in engineering, has provided the team a unique knowledge-base from which to work. Additionally, Jones’ business expertise has been invaluable.
Looking Forward
Currently this technology is being used in a clinical trial for ALS, and the team is hopeful about the potential impact it might have. The ultimate goal is that this software will be able to listen to a person’s speech and then diagnose them on the spot. However, that takes vast mount of data, and the team recognizes the work they have left to do.
In addition to neurological disorders, the team is working to evaluate this technology for concussions and other brain injuries.
With now 30 employees, this group of researchers is not slowing down.
We look forward to hearing more about this technology and the benefits it could have for patients in the near future.
You can read more about this technology here.
