Abu Dhabi: A research project by Malayali student Irfan Karukappadath has been featured as the Editor’s Choice in the August 2025 issue of Lasers in Surgery and Medicine, the official journal of the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery. Irfan, a third-year undergraduate at New York University Abu Dhabi, worked on the study with Dr. Soha Yousuf.
The research combines machine learning with Raman spectroscopy to distinguish between healthy and unhealthy tissues. It focuses on cells related to fat, muscles, marrow, and bones. The findings have important applications in neurosurgery, orthopedics, and other medical procedures.
According to the researchers, this method will help doctors make informed decisions during surgery by providing accurate real-time information about tissues. The team identified unique biomolecular signatures of tissues that often go undetected with conventional techniques.
Lasers in Surgery and Medicine is a leading peer-reviewed journal that publishes significant research across multiple fields, including dermatology, oncology, ophthalmology, and surgery. Featuring Irfan’s work as the cover article is viewed as a major recognition of the team’s contribution.
Irfan, the son of Safarulla and Jumaila from Kodungallur, previously secured a full scholarship worth ₹1.5 crore to study at NYU Abu Dhabi. He stressed that with strong academic performance, structured training, community-focused work, and clear documentation, Muslim students have the opportunity to enter top international universities with full funding.
