Project by Malayali student's team featured as Editor’s Choice in US research journal

Irfan Karukappadath, a Malayali and third-year undergraduate student at New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD), has achieved international recognition for his collaborative research work with Dr. Soha Yousuf.

The research project has been featured as the Editor’s Choice in the August 2025 issue of Lasers in Surgery and Medicine, the official peer-reviewed journal of the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery (ASLMS).

The study focuses on developing a model that uses the potential of machine learning and Raman spectroscopy to distinguish between healthy and unhealthy tissues. The research specifically examines the condition of cells related to fat, muscles, marrow, and bones, which has applications in procedures involving neurosurgery, bone treatments, and other medical fields.

This study is expected to help medical specialists obtain accurate, real-time information about tissues, which could bring significant relief to patients. According to Dr. Soha and Irfan, the research will assist surgeons in making more evidence-based decisions during orthopaedic and neurosurgical procedures.

The researchers have successfully identified distinct biomolecular signatures of tissues that are commonly found but often go undetected through conventional methods. Lasers in Surgery and Medicine (LSM), where the study was published, is a leading journal that publishes high-quality research in both fundamental and clinical aspects related to the use of lasers and energy-based technologies in medicine.

Research findings from diverse medical fields such as dermatology, oncology, urology, ophthalmology, and surgery are regularly published in this journal.

It is considered one of the leading academic platforms that presents significant advancements in areas like laser–tissue interactions, photobiology, clinical procedures, and patient safety to the global research community. Having the experimental results of a team including a Malayali featured as the cover article in such a prestigious journal is regarded as a major achievement.

Irfan, son of Safarulla and Jumaila from Kodungallur, secured a full scholarship worth ₹1.5 crore two years ago to pursue his studies at New York University Abu Dhabi.

Irfan noted that with academic excellence, structured training, meaningful extension work benefiting society, and precise documentation, Malayali students can also secure opportunities to study at top international universities with full scholarships.