The type of sensors that pick up the rhythm of a beating heart in implanted heart defibrillators and pacemakers are vulnerable to manipulation, according to a new study involving researchers from the University of Michigan and others on an international team. In experiments with simulated human models, the researchers showed that they could create an erratic heartbeat with radiofrequency electromagnetic waves. Theoretically, a false signal like the one they created could hinder needed pacing or cause unnecessary defibrillation shocks.

About the professor: Kevin Fu is an associate professor of electrical engineering and computer science (http://web.eecs.umich.edu/~kevinfu/) at the University of Michigan College of Engineering (http://www.engin.umich.edu/ ). His research interests include making embedded computer systems smarter with better security and less security
energy consumption and faster performance.

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