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Breakthrough in Preventive Medicine 

Montreal Researchers Unveil World-First AI Wearable System That Predicts Inflammation Before Symptoms Appear — with 90% Accuracy

A landmark study published in The Lancet Digital Health—co-led by researchers at McGill University and the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (RI-MUHC)—has introduced the world’s first wearable-powered AI platform capable of detecting acute systemic inflammation before any symptoms arise.

The research was spearheaded by Dr. Dennis Jensen, Scientist at the RI-MUHC and Associate Professor in McGill’s Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education. A core member of the Sylvan Adams Sports Science Institute (SASSI), Dr. Jensen played a central role in designing and leading the study.

Dr. Amir Hadid, a postdoctoral fellow, was supported through funding from SASSI and MITACS in partnership with Hexoskin. Dr. Philippe Dixon, a core member of SASSI, also contributed to this work. The team developed the AI algorithms that can interpret biometric data from common wearable devices—such as smart rings, watches, and shirts—to predict early immune responses to viral infections with nearly 90% sensitivity.

By detecting inflammation at this pre-symptomatic stage, the system enables more timely interventions, potentially reducing hospitalizations, complications, and healthcare costs. This research paves the way for more proactive and personalized approaches to healthcare and has already led to the creation of a Montreal-based health tech startup.

SASSI is proud to have supported this groundbreaking research that bridges scientific innovation and real-world impact—advancing the future of preventive and personalized medicine. Congratulations to the Jensen's team!

Empowering Women in Sport: A Transformative Gift to McGill

It’s a powerful moment for women in sport—and McGill is taking the lead, thanks to a transformative $1.25-million gift from alumni Monica Leitham Hantho (BEd’81) and Mark Hantho (BCom’81). Their donation establishes the Hantho Initiative for Women’s Athletics, supporting a bold collaboration between McGill’s Athletics & Recreation and the Faculty of Education. It will drive cutting-edge research at the Sylvan Adams Sports Science Institute (SASSI) to improve female athletic performance and inform coaching practices grounded in science.

“This gift is truly transformative,” says Professor Benoît Gentil, Interim Director of SASSI. “It shows real leadership by combining research and the women in sports program.” This collaborative initiative will expand access to key services for McGill’s female student-athletes, including mental performance support, nutritional guidance, and career development, while strengthening the pathway for women in coaching and leadership roles. But also, by investing in performance-based research—from wearable tech to nutrition and sex-specific recovery—McGill is helping redefine how science supports female athletes in sport. As Professor Gentil puts it, “We do this research to improve and inform real-world practices.”

Stay tuned as McGill turns headwinds into tailwinds for the next generation of women in sport.

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