CompHealth Corner: March – April 2026
Computational and digital health ideas evolve quickly. Our monthly research roundup highlights the latest publications — from our Center faculty and other leaders in the field. Here’s what you should be reading this month!
STING-induced blood-brain barrier opening combined with radiotherapy potentiates antitumor response in a high-grade glioma model
Shashwat Tripathi, Hinda Najem, Lisa Hurley, Ruochen Du, Crismita Dmello, Heba Ali, Kathleen McCortney, Karl J. Habashy, Peng Zhang, Craig M. Horbinski, Lara Leoni, Ryan J. Avery, Rimas V. Lukas, Timothy L. Sita, David R. Raleigh, Sean Sachdev, Roger Stupp, Maciej S. Lesniak, David M. Ashley, Daniele Procissi, Michael A. Curran, Irina Balyasnikova, and Amy B. Heimberger. “STING-induced blood-brain barrier opening combined with radiotherapy potentiates antitumor response in a high-grade glioma model.” The Journal of Clinical Investigation 136.4 (2026).
Summary
In a new study, researchers activated a pathway called STING using the drug 8803 and saw tumor cells undergo inflammatory cell death. Center member David Ashley was a part of the team driving this effort. This process not only damaged the cancer cells directly but also released signals that activated immune cells and helped break down the tumor’s protective surroundings.
In preclinical models, STING activation was linked to longer survival and a stronger immune response within the tumor. It’s an exciting step toward developing new immunotherapy strategies for meningioma.
LIO-VisionAR: Intelligence-Enabled Augmented Reality Guidance for Laser Indirect Ophthalmoscope-based Retinal Laser Therapy
Sangjun Eom, Tiffany Ma, Miroslav Pajic, Maria Gorlatova, Majda Hadziahmetovic. “LIO-VisionAR: Intelligence-Enabled Augmented Reality Guidance for Laser Indirect Ophthalmoscope-based Retinal Laser Therapy.” Intelligence-Based Medicine (2026): 100353.
Summary
Retinal laser therapy is a precision-driven procedure that requires extensive training—but new work is exploring how augmented reality can enhance both learning and performance.
In a recent Intelligence-Based Medicine study, Center Associate Director of XR Maria Gorlatova and collaborators introduce LIO-VisionAR, an intelligence-enabled augmented reality system designed to support training for laser indirect ophthalmoscopy.
In simulated trials with 11 experts and 12 non-experts, AR guidance significantly improved laser targeting accuracy for both groups. While procedures took longer under AR guidance, the added time reflected more deliberate control and improved precision. Behavioral data captured by the AR headset also revealed distinct performance strategies and enabled proof-of-concept skill assessment.
These findings highlight a pathway toward adaptive, intelligence-based AR guidance for ophthalmic microsurgical training.
Update on Acute Retinal Arterial Ischemic Disorders
Étienne Bénard-Séguin, MD, FRCSC, Brian Mac Grory, MB BCh BAO, MHSc, Nancy J. Newman, MD, Valérie Biousse, MD. “Update on Acute Retinal Arterial Ischemic Disorders.” Neurologic Clinics (2026).
Summary
A new review in Neurologic Clinics highlights retinal artery occlusion (RAO) as a medical emergency. It can cause sudden, painless vision loss in one eye and requires immediate evaluation, similar to how a stroke is treated.
Recognizing these symptoms early is critical for protecting both vision and overall health. Center member Brian Mac Grory and team contributed to the paper.
Translational Methods for Wearable Heart Rate Variability Monitoring in Older Adults: Preoperative Risk Stratification and Postoperative Monitoring
Nathaniel Brooke, Kenneth C. Roberts, Sloan A. Soyster Heinz, Emmalee Metzler, Sarah Peskoe, Heather E. Whitson, J.P. Ginsberg & Leah C. Acker. “Translational Methods for Wearable Heart Rate Variability Monitoring in Older Adults: Preoperative Risk Stratification and Postoperative Monitoring.” Journal of Cardiovascular Translational Research 19.1 (2026): 20.
Summary
Heart rate variability (HRV) is linked to surgical risk in older adults, but traditional testing can be difficult and resource intensive. A new study led by Center member Leah Acker, PhD, MD, published in the Journal of Cardiovascular Translational Research, explores whether wrist-based wearables can remotely capture HRV data before and after surgery.
Preoperatively, most participants provided high-quality outpatient data, supporting the feasibility of remote monitoring. Postoperatively, data capture remained strong overall, but missing data were more common in older and higher-risk patients, including those requiring ICU care or longer hospital stays.
These findings highlight the translational potential of wearable HRV monitoring for perioperative risk assessment, while also emphasizing key challenges that must be addressed for broader clinical adoption.
