To mark World Health Day 2026, researchers at the University of Nottingham Ningbo China (UNNC) have unveiled a pioneering approach to depression research, offering new hope for more accurate diagnosis and future clinical application.
An interdisciplinary team — comprising Professor He Xiangjian, Chair Professor of Computer Science and Technology and one of the world’s top 2% scientists; Professor Sun Xu, Associate Dean for Global Engagement and Partnerships in the Faculty of Science and Engineering and Professor in Industrial Design and Manufacture; and doctoral researcher Liu Jing — has developed an innovative method to objectively capture emotional states through physiological signals. Their work addresses a longstanding challenge in mental health: the reliance on subjective patient descriptions and clinical judgement, which can lead to misdiagnosis or missed cases of depression.
Drawing on more than 20 years of global experimental research, the team found that individuals with depression exhibit distinct physiological responses to emotional stimuli — such as prolonged pupil dilation when exposed to negative information and reduced brain activity in reward-related regions. Building on these findings, they are developing a system of controlled “emotional triggers” using validated images, sounds and videos to reliably elicit specific emotional states.
By integrating multimodal measurement techniques — including pupillometry, electroencephalography and other physiological monitoring tools — the researchers have effectively created a high-precision “emotional camera”. This breakthrough enables invisible emotional fluctuations to be translated into measurable biological data, forming a unique “emotional–physiological profile” for individuals with depression.
The team emphasises that this innovation has strong potential for future clinical application. It could provide psychiatrists with objective diagnostic support, improving accuracy and confidence in decision-making. Furthermore, when combined with wearable technologies, the system may enable real-time monitoring, early intervention and everyday mental health management — ensuring that previously unseen emotional distress can be identified and addressed more effectively.
This research highlights UNNC scientists’ commitment to advancing scientific innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration in support of global health priorities.
Published on 07 April 2026