NIU researchers are building an AI-powered stethoscope
lindathelibrarian
Jun 23
1 min read
June 17, 2026
DEKALB, IL — When NIU Electrical Engineering Professor Lichuan Liu’s toddler struggled to breathe, it sparked feelings of helplessness—but also an idea. Liu asked herself, how might artificial intelligence help both clinicians and parents with diagnosing breathing illness?
Her research team, which includes NIU students, is now working to develop an AI-powered stethoscope to help healthcare providers detect respiratory disease. The team also hopes to create a screening device that parents can use at home.
The technology being developed won’t replace clinicians. Rather, it will empower them, offering both providers and parents a new tool to protect children’s lives.