Research

Artificial Intelligence and Bioinformatics

The Bioinformatics experts are from a confluence of multiple disciplines in biomedicine, data science, and bioengineering technologies. By conducting prospective academic studies in the areas of computational biology, data mining, biomedical computing systems, and machine learning, our Bioinformatics researchers aim to develop state-of-the-art algorithms and software applying to clinical and experimental data analyses for high-throughput platforms, providing comprehensive treatment references and supporting diagnosis decisions for physicians. In smart healthcare, the focus is on AI applications and the integration of medical and engineering technologies for the growth of telehealth to improve the clinical outcomes and medical experience of patients.

Medical Imaging

Medical Imaging group is focused on the development and improvement of biomedical imaging instruments for clinical diagnosis, medical care, and rehabilitation. Especially, we are interested in integrated medical systems, including systems for medical imaging quality and resolution assessment, medical imaging-assisted diagnostic systems, medical electronic assist devices, and radiation detection instruments. In addition, we closely collaborate with China Medical University Hospital (CMUH) to develop clinically translatable solutions, to provide training for a variety of instruments used in Chinese medicine, radiology, nuclear medicine, radiation therapy, and physical therapy. Through the communications, physicians’ insights inspire the invention and improvement of imaging-assisted systems which can not only improve the quality of health care but also reduce medical costs.

Biomechanics

The biomechanics group works closely with the Department of Orthopedic Surgery and the Department of Dentistry, CMUH. In the field of orthopedics, we renovate the current design of artificial joints and surgical procedures, including fixation methods for artificial hip joints, the effect of eccentric screw insertion on the stability of acetabular cups, and the biomechanical investigation of intramedullary nail fixation in patients with knee replacements. We will further explore the treatment outcomes of patients with osteoarthritis, especially, the types that are common in Taiwanese patients, using biomechanical assessment techniques. As dental implants have become the standard treatment for patients, we develop better artificial tooth roots that are more suitable for Asian people. With the increasing elderly population, the design of more suitable dental implants for the elderly has become a particularly important issue.

Biomaterials

Biomaterials researchers aim to design and develop novel nanomaterials, polymers, metals, ceramics, composite materials, and biological and polymeric materials and apply them to medical purposes. This includes the study of the biocompatibility of new materials, the development of drugs in microcapsules and microspheres, and the investigation and preparation of biodegradable materials to promote their application in health care practice. CMU is currently actively developing a number of biomaterial products and related techniques, including biodegradable conduit for nerve regeneration, hydrogel-based artificial skin for wound-healing, the combination of orthopedic biomaterials with Chinese medicine drugs for bone regeneration.

Biomedical Devices

This thrust area integrates the research outcomes of different departments in CMU, and focuses on the development of biomedical electronic systems, including noninvasive sensors, non-contact sensors, implantable sensors, implantable System-on-chips (SOCs), biomedical microelectromechanical systems, and real-time biomedical signal analysis systems. The study of biomedical devices is highly interdisciplinary, as it requires professional knowledge of market demands, concept formation, design and development, manufacturing, retailer networks, market monitoring, and product recall mechanisms. CMU and its affiliated hospital have a comprehensive teaching and research environment in the field of Chinese and Western medicine and pharmacy; therefore the academic talents trained by the CMU system have sufficient knowledge to enter the biomedical devices industry. The Biomedical Devices researchers aim to work closely with other departments in the CMU and its hospital to develop innovative medical electronic devices with improved safety and effectiveness via clinical trials.