Neural Implant podcast - the people behind Brain-Machine Interface revolutions

Blythe Karow is a medical device veteran who is now the cofounder and CEO of Evren Technologies, a medical device company making a wearable Vagus Nerve Stimulator to help with the problems brought about by Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Top 3 Takeaways Not only veterans but first responders often get PTSD and 1/9 women will have it at some point in their lives Stimulating the auricular (ear) branch of the Vagus nerve has fewer side effects but with a calming effect on the body Diagnosing and curing PTSD is very difficult and subjective 1:15 "Do you want to introduce yourself and the technology?" 2:30 "You spun out of the University of Florida and then you were able to license it, what did that look like? " 3:30 "So you have some background in medical devices, you saw the potential in this and then you were looking to do something new? 5:00 "What were you looking for and what were the acceptance criteria?" 6:00 "So how does this work? What are some of the effects of vagus nerve stimulation?" 9:00 "So it is this calming effect, you're able to flip that stress response back to normal with the PTSD patients. Is that a one-time thing? Is that a one-time flip or does it have to be re flipped?" 11:00 "PTSD is very hard to quantify, right? How is that currently done?" 13:00 "So what are the current treatments for it?" 15:30 "So what's your device and how does it work? And how do you know that you're stimulating the Vagus nerve? " 19:30 "You guys are still in the prototyping phase and then you have to get FDA approval for this, what are the next steps for the company?" 21:15 "What are some I guess are your biggest challenges?" 23:30 "Would they have to get it as a prescription through a doctor? Would they be able to buy it on Amazon?" 24:15 "Is there anything that we didn't talk about that you wanted to mention?"

Nicolas Vachicouras is the cofounder of Neurosoft Bioelectronics which is focusing on utilizing a novel soft electrode material in neural implants. The company comes out of Switzerland and has partnerships with the Stephanie Lacour lab and the Wyss Center 1:45 "Do you want to talk a little bit about yourself and your work and Neurosoft?" 4:30 "What's the benefit of soft versus hard implant?" 7:00 "Is the foreign body response, something that happens in ECOG as well, does the body react poorly to that?" 9:45 "So your guys device also doesn't have MRI artifacts. What is that? How is that and why is it important?" 11:45 How was it spinning off a company in Switzerland? 14:15 "You've seen the Swiss side and the American or, Boston side, how would you compare and contrast those?" 17:15 "You guys have been very successful with competitions and these kinds of grants in everything like that. Do you want to talk a little bit about this as well?" 20:15 "What are some kind of next steps or plans for the future?" 22:00 "You're utilizing such a soft device. Do you want to talk about this a little bit?" 24:00 "You guys also have the spinal cord stimulators, do you want to describe this?" 28:15 "Is there anything that we didn't talk about that you wanted to mention?"

Anish Kaushal is an analyst at Amplitude VC which is looking at investing in neurotech companies. In this episode we talk about what they look for when investing into a company 1:30 "Do you want to introduce yourself a little bit? " 10:30 "How is venture capital different in med tech versus Silicon Valley?" 14:15 "So you guys do, would you say that you guys put more research upfront into investments vs Silicon Valley-style investors?" 16:30 "Due Diligence for, six months or a year, what are you doing during that time? What takes so long?" 21:30 "If somebody wants to be like the best candidate, what would be the best candidate for you?" 26:30 "You guys haven't invested anything yet, but what's on your radar?" 31:00 "And then how about for neurotechnology neuromodulation, neural implants?" 34:30 "What are some misconceptions or what are some things that people don't know about VCs and, med tech, VCs that they probably should know about, or maybe that they think is, but it's wrong?" 38:00 "Is there anything that we didn't talk about that you wanted to mention?"

Dr Silvestro Micera is a professor at École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) in Switzerland focusing on developing neural interface implantations in patients. In particular, the following research fields are currently investigated: robotic systems for neurorehabilitation experiments for the investigation of neural control of movement development of neural interfaces with the central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous system (PNS). development of hybrid neuro-prosthetic systems 1:15 "Do you want to explain your work?" 2:25 "You guys are very much into the compliant implants…do you wanna explain that a little bit?" 3:15 "You've worked in the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system. Is there one that needs to be more compliant is the one that it needs to be softer?" 6:00 "One of your interests is a hybrid neuroprosthetic systems. Can you explain this? What is this?" 9:15 "one of the papers that you recently published actually was talking about enhancing the body with extra hands or fingers. Do you want to talk about this? And if this overloads the brain, that, do you want to talk about this?" 15:45 "do you have a favorite paper that you want to explain?" 21:45 "So that was your favorite paper. What about your, is that different than your most popular paper?" 23:00 "why did you get into this field?" 26:00 "What are your biggest challenges right now in your research?" 28:45 "And then you're doing this translational work. You're more that the process or the procedure and having that go into the clinic, how does that work?" 33:15 "I know the process a little bit in the U S is it different in Switzerland? This translational work?" 36:45 "Is there anything that we didn't talk about that you wanted to mention?"

Dr Warren Grill is a professor of biomedical engineering at duke university. He is the chief scientific officer of NDI medical LLC, Managing director of NDI Healthcare fund. He is the cofounder and chief scientific officer of Deep Brain innovations and Chief scientific advisor of SPR Theraputics. His research interests are in neural engineering and neural prostheses including design and testing of electrodes and stimulation techniques, the electrical properties of tissues and cells, and computational neuroscience with applications in the restoration of bladder function, treatment of movement disorders with deep brain stimulation, and multi-joint limb movement. He has authored 250 peer-reviewed publications, and is an inventor on 54 issued patents. 2:15 "Do you want to talk a little bit about your work and how you've managed to publish 250 papers?" 4:45 "What do you think that's you're doing that there's a missing and what's the secret sauce?" 10:15 "How many people are in your lab?" 12:00 "What is the thing that you believe that's maybe a little bit controversial in the field?" 15:15 "What are takeaways that you've had in your career about stimulation restoration and prosthetic control?" 24:00 Hear a bad joke that lands flat 24:30 "What is motivating you in this field? Why, especially neurotech?" 28:15 "How do you make sure applicable therapeutics and standards of practices transfer into the real world?" 32:15 "How do you balance those two things? Actually getting stuff done, actually getting things out to mass market without for lack of a better word, mental masturbation?" 35:45 "What is the biggest challenge in your work?"

Eric Chang is a Neuroscientist and Assistant Professor at the Institutes of Bioelectronic Medicine and Molecular medicine at the Feinstein Institutes of medical research at Northwell Health. His areas of interests are Neuro-immunology, electrophysiology, microscopy and bioengineering. In today's episode, Eric talks to us about his work with the vagus nerve and approaches being used in his lab to understand signalling between the nervous system and immune system. Top three takeaways: We haven't got technology that can image individuals neurons connected to the vagus nerve but in the near future, the tools might evolve to do this. Recording neural signals in different patients lets you see different types of variations across patients and informs how you design treatments based on that person's neurobiology. "There are the traditional senses that are related to exteroception, like sight, sound, smell, touch, and taste. There's a plethora of as I mentioned, interoceptive signals as well that have to do with organ function." [0:00] Ladan introduces the episode and the guest, Eric Chang [1:50] Eric Chang introduces himself and his work. His lab is interested in finding the connection between the nervous system and immune system [3:45] How is imaging different from electrophysiology and what are the advantages and disadvantages of both? [6:10] "So I would say patch-clamp electrophysiology, which is patching a single cell with a glass pipette, is still the gold standard, but the tools are rapidly coming to the fore that are starting to replace that a little bit." [11:20] Eric talks about some of the challenges with imaging individual neurons connected to the vagus nerve, especially where there is a lot of movement. [12:50] While the technology is quite small now, it's not so small that it could quite fit into a necklace. Eric believes that somewhere in the next 5 - 10 years, something of the sort will be available. [13:40] "Dr Tracey's work from two decades ago showed the discovery of something called the inflammatory reflex which is that If you electrically stimulate the vagus nerve under conditions of inflammation, let's say acute endotoxemia, then you can reduce levels of circulating pro-inflammatory cytokines" [20:00] Eric discusses some of the tools used to tease apart different signals. [23:05] Eric talks about some future breakthroughs he expects. [27:00] "Yeah. So the nerve innervation exists for protection; it's for survival. We need to know when we're getting close to a fire" [28:00] Eric talks about the importance of understanding pain. [31:00] "There are the traditional senses that are related to exteroception, like sight, sound, smell, touch, and taste. There's a plethora of as I mentioned, interoceptive signals as well that have to do with organ function."

Marom Bikson is a Biomedical Engineer. He is a Professor at the City College of New York City and also the co-director of the Neural Engineering Group. Marom has been at the City College of New York for over 15 years. He has a B.Sc in Biomedical Engineering from John Hopkins University and a PhD from Case Western University Cleveland. He cofounded Soterix Medical. Marom's research group studies the effects of electricity on the human body and applies this knowledge toward the development of medical devices and electrical safety guidelines. In today's episode, Marom talks about his work with Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation and how it works. He also talks about his work with NC Neuromodulation and Soterix Medical Top three takeaways: Transcranial means, through the cranium. And the thing that you're stimulating is targets inside the cortex. So you're trying to identify targets centrally that you think that you can activate. To lead to different therapeutic outcomes. TDCS works by the application of direct electrical current to electrodes placed on the scalp. "A lot of times when we think about TDCS, we think about changing the sensitivity. And then the question comes in with a sensitivity to what. Often TDCS is combined with other forms of therapy, like behavioural therapy, or physical therapy [0:00] Ladan introduces the episode and the guest, Prof Marom Bikson [1:50] Marom introduces himself and his work [2:30] Marom discusses the wave of persistent COVID symptoms that are referred to as neuro COVID and talks about some of the work he and his colleagues are doing around it. [4:50] Marom describes how Transcranial Direct Current Simulation work. " transcranial means, through the cranium. And the thing that you're stimulating is targets inside the cortex. So you're trying to identify targets centrally that you think that you can activate. To lead to different therapeutic outcomes." [6:00] Marom discusses papers documenting the use of TDCS in different therapeutic areas such as depression and pain. [7:45] Currently, there is no FDA clearance for TDCS in the US so most of the work now happens in clinical trials. [10:10] TDCS works by the application of direct electrical current to electrodes placed on the scalp. [13:40] "A lot of times when we think about TDCS, we think about changing the sensitivity. And then the question comes in with a sensitivity to what. Often TDCS is combined with other forms of therapy, like behavioural therapy, or physical therapy." [16:20] Marom talks specifically about his research and some of his breakthroughs. [20:50] Marom talks about his company, Soterix medical; the background for starting the company and what kind of problems they are solving [27:40] Marom discusses NYC Neuromodulation which he co-founded. "NYC neuromodulation has now run. I think about five times the last time was an online version. The two times before that we worked with other organizations, the North American neuromodulation society was partnered for one and neuromodulation of science was partnered for another." [33:50] So what are some Big pieces of advice that you would say to other neural engineers? " If you're loving what you're doing, then that probably means you're on the right path."

Dustin Tyler is a Kent H Smith professor at the Case Western Reserve University and the Director of the Human Fusions Institute. He has a secondary appointment as the principal investigator at the Louis Stokes Cleveland Department of Veteran Affairs Medical centre. His expertise and interests include directly connecting humans and technology over the neural system to improve human performance and capability. His areas of work include clinical trials of Class III medical devices with emphasis on neural interfaces; acute and chronic pre-clinical studies in small and large mammalian models, and computational neuroscience. In today's episode, Dustin talks about his work with brain-computer interfaces and some of the exciting breakthroughs he has seen in the past 10 years. Top three takeaways: "Most people think brain-computer interfaces are whole brain implants, but in reality, they are more correctly cortical interfaces, which is only a small part of the brain. Peripheral interfaces are also brain-computer interfaces and generally engage all of the brain." "In an experiment, Dustin and his team found that simply by adding sensation, and hence engaging human-in-the-loop control, participants had more success performing delicate grasping and manipulation exercises." "So we have augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR), and the next advance forward is NeuroReality. And, what I mean by that is that we're actually connecting directly technology to the human nervous system." [0:00] Ladan introduces the episode and the guest, Dustin Tyler [2:00] Dustin starts the conversation by explaining what the term 'Brain-computer interface' really means and introduces us to his work focus on the peripheral nervous system [4:00] Dustin discusses some of the differences between the sensory and motor neurons; breaks down the mechanics behind what's happening in the nervous system to stimulate sensation; and some of the breakthroughs of switching from non-human primates to clinical work. [11:50] Dustin shares some of the other success that his research team have had with amputees and other patients [14:40] "It's unlikely is that the nerve itself just stops responding to electrical stimulation. Based on a long history of activity, that's unlikely, but we couldn't rule that out." [17:00] Dustin describes an experiment where participants with prosthesis were asked to remove the stems from cherry and the remarkable difference observed when patients were given the sensation of feeling even over vision." What it says is how intricately your sensations are in this feedback in the control system. That vision is actually a really poor control." [19:00] "Even with a poor control system, patients can gain a whole lot more by adding sense into that loop" [28:30] We don't really have any best practices. We have found that frequency tends to be what we prefer in terms of modulating pressure. [33:30] "So. I think the field in general right now is looking at and rightfully so again, the information content of what we can put into the peripheral nerve and how we do that." [36:20] "What we're kind of looking at now is, next level, which is adding touch. So it's a third dimension that we can now add. And if you think if you've ever been in VR, when you reach out to touch something, you can't touch it, it kind of. Destroys the illusion. A lot of ways we can change that now where you can actually feel when you're doing through that, um, through that system." [37:00] Dustin discusses some of the ideas and possibilities that come with thinking of this new area termed Neural Reality. [47:30] Unlike with cyberpunk, with the interface, we aren't changing you. The interface is there but when it's turned off, it doesn't exist [49:40] Dustin talks about some of the work coming in the future and some of the projects he is currently excited about.

Professor Paul is an assistant professor of Bioengineering, Neurosurgery and Electrical Engineering at Stanford University. He received a B.S. degree in cybernetics from the University of California, Los Angeles, in 2006. He received an M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in bioengineering and M.D degree from Stanford University in 2011, 2012, and 2014, respectively. His postdoctoral work was with Jaimie Henderson and Krishna Shenoy in the Neural Prosthetics Translational Laboratory. In today's episode, we feature Professor Paul's video where the discusses the recently released video by Neuralink of a monkey test subject playing pong wirelessly and its significance for the fields of neuro-engineering and systems neuroscience. Top three takeaways: At 1024 channels, the Neuralink team have surpassed the previous breakthroughs in the number of transmitting channels They (Neuralink) are sampling from the brain at a higher density than what is possible with more conventional chronically implanted electrodes like the Utah electrode array. "For an expert in the field, this video represents a pretty big step for us" [0:00] Ladan introduces the episode and the guest, Paul [1:10] Paul introduces himself, his work and gives full disclosure about his relationship with the Neuralink team. He isn't affiliated with the team in any way. [3:40] (Audio from Neuralink video) Test subject is introduced and Paul describes the setting of the experiment [6:15] Paul breakdown the enclosure and describes the setting of the experiment [7:30] (Audio from Neuralink video) "The links record from more than 2000 electrodes". Paul explains the implication of having 2000 electrode implants. [10:15] Paul explains why it's impressive to have 1024 channels presumably in Pager (the test subject). "The larger the sphere, the stronger the depth of modulation" [12:40] (Audio from Neuralink video) "As he is playing this game, we are wirelessly streaming in real-time, the firing rates of thousands of neurons to a computer" Paul talks about the information on the panel and what it tells us about the experiment system. [20:30] Paul talks about brain activity and speculates what decoding algorithm is running. [22:30] Paul pauses the experiment video to bring attention to a click that happened too fast. "This couldn't be running a dwell" [26:00] (Video ends) Paul reflects over the potential impact of the video and the work Neuralink is doing. "For an expert in the field, this video represents a pretty big step for us" Watch the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rzNOuJIzk2E&ab_channel=BrainInterfacingLaboratory

Andrew Cornwell is the Director of industrial and strategic collaborations for the Cleveland FES centre. He is also Director of the VA Translational Education Mentoring Centre and Associate Director at Care Coulter Translational partnership. In today's episode, Andrew talks about the importance of translational research, the process and some of the achievements of the Cleveland FES centre. Top three takeaways: Translational work is concerned with solving the inefficient of getting Academic work into the clinic. Cleveland FES Centre has a new program called the Neuro Design program, set up to grow the base of entrepreneurial talent in Cleveland with a focus on neurotechnology. Application for the second cohort of the Neuro Design program at Cleveland FES centres is currently open and you can apply to the program at www.clevelandneurodesign.org. [0:00] Ladan introduces the episode and the guest, Andrew Cornwell [1:45] 'I try to spend my time solving the inefficiencies of getting Academic work into the clinic' [2:30] Why is translational research in medicine important? Why is it necessary for translational work to exist? [5:00] Andrew Cornwall describes the process of the work he does from when someone approaches him with an idea, to the point where that idea is made into a consumer product. [9:10] Why aren't there more places like Cleveland FES centre? [12:20] Andrew talks about the importance of collaboration and cites an interesting example he read on how research productivity increased when a history department was put in the same building as a neuroscience department [14:40] Andrew discusses some of the companies that have come out of the Cleveland FES centre and the projects that have come out from the centre. [16:00] The centre has recently started a new program called Neuro Design designed to grow the base of entrepreneurial talent in Cleveland with a focus on neurotechnology. [17:00] Andrew discusses the Biodesign program and the different phases: clinical immersion, prototyping phases and designing a business plan [20:35] We are currently recruiting for our cohort next year and you can apply to the program at clevelandneurodesign.org. Strong preferences for applicants include clinical experience, strong engineering background, research background, builder, industry experience etc. [24:50] If you had unlimited funding, what would you do with it? [28:00] "We need to do a better job of this, pouring money into what we call translational research… And I think it's a great credit to them that they've recognized that this is an area where there's some room for improvement and, The VA is deeply passionate about their mission of taking care of veterans."

Nick Halper is a cofounder of Braingrade, where he and his team are developing a brain-computer interface to reverse the cognitive deficits associated with Alzheimer's disease and dementia. Before founding Braingrade, he worked at Blackrock Microsystems as a project manager on the product, support, engineering and software teams. In today's episode, Nick talks about his transition from academia to industry and then from leaving a stable job to joining an early-stage startup in the middle of a pandemic. He also talks about the work he is doing with his new company, Braingrade. Top three takeaways: Braingrade is working on implantable devices geared towards the memory circuit. Working remotely has created a system to employ lots of talented people without the usual barrier of location. There are currently openings and Braingrade for talented young people looking to contribute to their work. [0:00] Ladan introduces the episode and the guest, Nick Halper [2:20] Nick Halper introduces Braingrade to the public. He talks about his background and how he got started with Braingrade. [5:30] Braingrade is working on an implantable device geared at the memory circuit and hippocampus. A disease they are working to have a real impact in treating is Alzheimer's disease. [7:30] Some aspects of the company (Braingrade) are defined by COVID, for instance, Peter and Nick work in completely different parts of the world. This structure has helped produce an incredible team of people by removing the barrier of entry. [10:00] Nick talks about working with a team completely remotely and setting up a work culture that keeps everyone feeling included. [11:20] Braingrade is hiring for Head electrical engineering and a few other roles. [13:00] Challenges: A neurodegenerative disorder is an interesting one to tackle and that will differently come with its challenges. [15:30] Speaking on how medical regulations should actually be seen as guidance rather than challenges, Nick discusses how he sees the opportunity to have constructive discussions and interaction with institutions like the FDA on moving your project forward. [16:55] Nick talks about his career jump from academia to industry to joining a med device startup [18:30] If you had unlimited funding, what would you do? [22:50] Reminder: Braingrade is currently hiring for positions to join their team doing cutting edge work in Alzheimer's research and memory enhancement,

Yael Haneun is a professor of Electrical Engineering at Tel Aviv University. Her research field is neuro-engineering, focusing on developing wearable electronic and bionic vision. She is also the VP of Nano Retina and has previously worked as a research associate at the University of Washington. In today's episode, Yael talks about her work in neuro-engineering and some breakthroughs with electrophysiological tools. Top three takeaways: With soft dry electrodes, you have a system that is truly wireless. Wet electrodes are better for short durations and dry electrodes are better for long durations. At the moment, Yael's company is focusing on 3 directions, sleeping monitoring, sports application and developing a kit for other researchers to apply the technology. [0:00] Ladan introduces the episode and the guest, Yael Hanein [1:55] Yael introduces her work in neuro-engineering; giving a timelapse from her work in electrophysiology to her recent work using electrophysiological tools for skin applications. [2:45] EEGs are basically electrodes on the skin, Yael explains the mechanics of using EEGs. [6:00] 'Wet electrodes are for short durations and dry electrodes are for long durations.' Yale breaks down the explains the functional lifetime of the two different electrode setup and when to use either. [6:45] The information we get from these electrodes is electrophysiological. The first thing we use the electrodes to get was facial mapping and facial expressions. [12:25] Yael discusses what academic life is like in Israel. She talks about some of the similarities and differences with American academic life. [15:20] Yael talks about starting a company, the motivation behind it and the difficulties of going commercial. [21:15] What are some of the challenges with the research and making it more mainstream? [26:45] Thomas discusses his role at Cortec-neuro

Thomas Stieglitz is a professor at the University of Freiburg where he does research on the development of biocompatible construction and interconnection technology as well as the use of microsystems for neuroprosthesis and neuromodulation. Thomas Stieglitz is also on the scientific-technical advisory board of Cortec- Neuro. In today's episode, Thomas talks about is work in neuromodulation, shares insights on the best materials for implant development and finally, share some of the challenges faced with neuroprosthesis. Top three takeaways: Polymers have a lot of advantages as materials for implants. They are more flexible than Silicon although they are not as flexible as Making the ideal implant takes targeting very well. And tailoring functionality to needs. General-purpose implants will not work 3d printing has injected a new wave of possibility in the world of prosthetics [0:00] Ladan introduces the episode and the guest, Thomas Stieglitz [3:30] Thomas Stieglitz talks about the different disciplines of Neural interfaces / neural electrodes and the motivation for his work. [8:00] Polymers have a list of advantages. One is that they are more flexible than Silicon. Another is their variety of shapes. [9:20] Silicon has advantages in certain areas. It is the best technology for recording and stimulating [13:00] Thomas Stieglitz talks about the P dot polymer, what it is and how it works. [16:35] Thomas Stieglitz talks about the ideal implant and describes the most robust and reliable implant you can have [18:50] It will be an exciting development to see a paper on the comprehensive model of a digital twin of implant failure nodes. [23:30] In Europe, without any institution like the IDE, there is no seamless way to get implants to human trials without negotiating with a legal entity to prove potential for success [26:45] Thomas discusses his role at Cortec-neuro [27:35] There are good and bad aspects of working with implants. Sometimes implants are damaged because Surgery personnel are not careful enough or rehabilitation personnel don't follow the manual and break the connectors. [30:00] "We believe that now, that we can predict with the data that we have and some additional in vitro experiments that we did after getting them back to proving something that those pieces can survive up to 5 billion of stimulation, pulses."

Rob Spence is a documentary film-maker. He lost his right eye as a child during a shotgun accident at his grandparents home. Thirteen years ago, he replaced his prosthetic eye with a wireless video camera. He continues to make improvements on the eye and has produced films about people living with bionic implants. In today's episode, Rob talks to us about living with a camera implant and the fast-moving world of bionics. Top three takeaways: There's room for improvement in the area of eye prosthetics, especially to increase the adoption of cameras that can restore vision for the completely visually impaired. Ethics and privacy are big issues when you have a camera installed into your eye socket. 3d printing has injected a new wave of possibility in the world of prosthetics [0:00] Ladan introduces the episode and the guest, Rob Spence [1:40] Rob Spence shares the story behind losing his eyes during a shotgun accident as a child. [3:40] After living a few years with an eye patch, Rob, now a filmmaker, decided to get a prosthetic camera. [6:50] Rob works with a team on improving the camera and making it better. He talks in detail about what goes into making a good 'eye camera'. [11:15] On some of his filmmaking projects, Rob is giving enough creative freedom that he occasionally includes footage from his camera. [13:20] It's difficult turning the 'eye camera' into a mass prosthetic product because each one has to be made custom for the wearer. [18:50] For blind people, there's some benefit in connecting an implanted camera to the optic nerve to restore some level of vision. [24:00] There is quite a bit of ethical consideration to keep in mind when you have a camera in your eye. People often bring up how it threatens the privacy of the people I capture with my eye. [26:05] "I just have a hole in my head and I wanted to put a cool camera in there"

Ryan Tanaka is the host of Neura Pod which is the Youtube channel and podcast specifically about Elon Musk's Neuralink company. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDukC60SYLlPwdU9CWPGx9Q "My interest from for Neuralink primarily started because of working at Tesla previously, and then just getting more and more exposure to Elon Musk and some of the other projects that he's been working on and then realizing that Neuralink is going to be a substantially larger company in the future."

Matt Angle is the founder and CEO of Paradromics, a Brain-Computer Interface company that can handle up to 65,000 simultaneous channels. He was on the show 2 years ago and is updating us on new happenings at Paradromics. He also talks about their new Neurotech Pub Podcast which brings together neurotech leaders in a roundtable podcast. "And I think you'd say also, early nascent industry is like a bank heist. Everyone is friends. Until they get the money and then everyone tries to kill each other. And I think that we're, neurotechnology is still in the, like trying to get the money side of the bank heist. The markets are just opening up."

Dr. Rio Vetter is the Vice President and Chief Technology Officer at NeuroNexus. Dr. Alexis Paez is the Director of Science Outreach at NeuroNexus. NeuroNexus hosted a virtual conference in mid-November. In this episode, Dr. Rio Vetter and Dr. Alexis Paez discuss the NeuroNexus Symposium. Top three takeaways: The NeuroNexus Symposium had themes for each day including neural interface technology, neurophysiology, optogenetics, and optical microscopy techniques. The symposium included attendees from over 36 countries and over 1700 participants. There have been great advancements in optogenetics concerning non-human primates. [0:00] Ladan introduces the episode and the guests, Dr. Rio Vetter and Dr. Alexis Paez. [4:30] The reason for the symposium was to bring researchers together during the time of COVID. [9:20] In the future, they hope to expand to include more projects and involve even more people. [13:30] The future of electrotechnology is to increase the bandwidth and number of electrodes. [20:30] Dr. Alexis Paez discusses the optogenetics presentations that were given. [25:11] Dr. Rio Vetter summarizes the presentations given about optical microscopy techniques. [30:00] Considering time zone differences is important in creating the schedule for the symposium. [35:00] Virtual components could become an important factor in future conferences once in-person events occur.

Dr. Ben Paul is the founder and CEO of Neuroloom. Neuroloom is located in the United Kingdom and works to create new neuro-technology. In this episode, Dr. Ben Paul discusses how Neuroloom develops an effective way to stimulate neurons. Top three takeaways: Neuroloom electrodes mitigate the intensity of the immune response and immune-rejection of invasive devices The goal is to use tissue engineering techniques and apply those to neuronal circuits to create living electrodes. As opposed to penetrative electrodes, the hybrid electrodes are planar and neurons culture on top of them. [0:00] Ladan introduces the episode and the guest, Dr. Ben Paul. [2:10] Dr. Ben Paul gives a background of his education and how it led to the creation of Neuroloom. [6:20] The way the Neuroloom electrodes are built, the interfacing area is less disturbed by an immune response. [17:20] The prototype device uses 3D printed structures, living neurons, and electrode arrays. [27:15] Neuroloom is a lean company when dealing with producing designs and getting the basic science of the device demonstrated.

Scott Kim is the Co-Founder and CEO at Neofect. Neofect provides technologies that work to provide stroke victims with rehabilitation devices that can increase their range of motion. These devices include smart gloves and ankle braces. In this episode, Scott Kim discusses how Neofect technology is assisting stroke victims. Top three takeaways: The user receives a smart-glove and a tablet with the Neofect App. Each therapeutic session consists of eight different "training games" that allow users to regain mobility lost from a stroke injury. This technology allows users to achieve rehabilitation results from their own homes. [0:00] Ladan introduces the episode and the guest, Scott Kim. [2:40] Scott Kim describes the beginnings of Neofect and their devices. [5:40] The smart glove works by measuring six targets of motion guided by the therapist coach. [7:50] An initial range of motion for each activity is captured as a baseline, then progress is determined over time through improved performance. [10:55] The therapists at Neofect report a 10% improvement in the range of motion of users. [15:00] While the main target with the device is stroke victims, the technology can be applied to other injuries in the future. [18:00] The company recently launched Neofect Connect, which gives users daily reading and training games.

Lloyd Diamond is the CEO of Pixium Vision. Dry age-related macular degeneration affects millions of people globally. Using an insertable implant in the eye in combination with lenses, central vision focus can be regained. In this episode, Lloyd Diamond discusses how Pixium Vision is creating a solution to dry age-related macular degeneration. Top three takeaways: There is a dry and wet form of age-related macular degeneration. The dry form makes up 80% of all cases. The degeneration begins in the center of the eye and then migrates to the periphery at the age of 60-65. The implant is no thicker than a human hair and contains 378 independent electrodes on it, activated by light. [0:00] Ladan introduces the episode and the guest, Lloyd Diamond. [1:50] Diamond explains the need for a device like the PRIMA system. [4:00] The macular degeneration (AMD) targets the central vision portion of the retina, making it difficult to read or recognize faces. [7:00] The retinal surgery recovery time is four weeks. After this, the activation and rehabilitation process begins. [9:30] A pair of lenses that houses a camera are used in combination with the implant. [11:45] The entire event of observance to signal processing occurs in microseconds, so the user is unaware of the reaction time of the device. [16:00] Their new data proves that using clear glasses and the implant, it is possible to read as small as size eight font. This demonstrates seven lines of improvement on an ETDRS chart. [19:00] Diamond discusses the history of Pixium. [21:30] Due to the difficulty in regulatory approval for these types of implants, AMD research is not as common as retinitis pigmentosa. [25:00] The ability to be independent and recognize family members' faces makes the rehabilitation time and procedure appealing to the aged population. [27:20] The future goal is to sell in Europe first and then bring devices to the US using FDA approval.

Renee Ryan is the CEO and Dr. Kate Roosenbluth is the founder, CSO, and member of the board of directors for Cala Health. The company creates bioelectronic neuromodulation devices to mitigate the effects of chronic diseases. In this episode, Renee Ryan and Dr. Kate Rosenbluth discuss how the Cala Trio device controls essential tremors. Top three takeaways: The Cala Trio device uses the nerve circuitry of the body to calm tremors by stimulating a part of the brain through the wrist. Accelerometer sensors in each of the devices assess the efficacy of each use. There is a digital screen on the watch that displays time, length of session, and tasks. [0:00] Ladan introduces the episode and the guests, Renee Ryan and Dr. Kate Rosenbluth. [4:50] Dr. Kate Rosenbluth explains the history of the company and its goals. [7:00] The wearable device goes on the user's wrist to stimulate the ventral intermediate nucleus in the brain. [9:00] The essential tremors are characterized by action tremors in the hands, which makes daily tasks incredibly difficult. [13:40] Cala Health plans to accomplish more wrist-based projects to help mitigate other chronic diseases. [16:30] Renee Ryan explains her transition from investor to CEO at Cala Health. [19:30] The demand for the Cala Trio device was so great that the clinical trials were fully enrolled within 6 weeks. [22:30] Due to the wristband having dry electrodes, the band needs to be replaced every 90 days. [25:20] A new device trial has started that includes a new band technology.

Iain McIntyre is the CEO and co-founder of Humm. Humm creates devices such as the Bioelectric Memory Patch that use electricity to stimulate the brain. The disposable forehead device has shown to cause an increase in brain functionality and memory. In this episode, Iain McIntyre discusses how the Humm Bioelectric Memory Patch provides a brain-boost. Top three takeaways: When this device improves your working memory, it is improving your capabilities to focus, multitask, and acquire new skills. The Humm Bioelectric Memory Patch brings neuromodulation to a cheaper and smaller design compared to traditional devices. The benefits of use compound over time; even in the beginning stages, 15 minutes of use could provide up to two hours of mental performance improvement. [0:00] Ladan introduces the episode and the guest, Iain McIntyre. [2:50] The Bioelectric Memory Patch device works by delivering tACS to stimulate the prefrontal cortex and improve working memory. [5:00] The research studies done at Berkeley showed that users of the patch had a 20% increase in working memory effectiveness. [8:20] McIntyre describes it as a compound interest transaction, the more the patch is used, the greater the benefits each time. [11:10] Humm can provide results in a safe manner where there are rarely side effects due to the low amount of current. [14:00] While trials and data collection currently assess healthy users; in the future, the project will be used to help with neurological diseases. [17:00] Interestingly, the test groups that were found to have the most need for such a device are college students and the elderly. [21:10] With a 15-minute session, you can achieve an hour and a half of noticeable brain activity improvement.

Dr. Sangeeta Chavan is a professor at the Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research. In September of 2020, the Feinstein Institutes hosted its fourth annual Bioelectronic Medicine Summit located in New York. In this episode, Dr. Sangeeta Chavan discusses the key takeaways of the summit. Top three takeaways: Bioelectronic medicine uses modulation and stimulation of neural activity for the benefit of those with diseases as an alternative to drugs. Various advances are being made in clinical trials dealing with problems such as Crohn's disease, neural plasticity disorders, and vision loss. Vagus nerve stimulation has opened a gateway to many bioelectronic medicine applications. [0:00] Ladan introduces the episode and the guest, Dr. Sangeeta Chavan. [3:40] Dr. Chavan discusses Dr. Kevin Tracey's background in neuromodulation. [5:10] Bioelectronic medicine takes into account molecular mechanisms and neural circuits that contribute to diseases, to be able to modulate them. [7:20] At the summit, Dr. Chris Puleo discussed non-invasive neuromodulation using ultrasound as a form of therapy. [9:30] The speakers that inspired Dr. Chavan the most were Dr. Molly Stevens and Dr. Chris Collier for their cutting-edge projects. [11:50] The keynote speaker for the second day was Dr. Lawrence Steinman, whose research focuses on the role of amyloid proteins in inflammatory disease models. [13:40] Dr. Larry Miller spoke about the uses of bioelectronic medicine in regulating sphincter function. [15:00] Targeting nerves to treat diseases has been proven to work for many patients and is continuing to grow. To learn more about the Feinstein Institutes, listen to these episodes: Dr. Stavros Zanos, Dr. Kevin Tracey, Jojo Platt, Dr. Harbi Sohal

Dr. Owen Phillips is the co-founder and CEO of Brainkey. Their mission is to "revolutionize brain health care by helping people access, understand, and benefit from advances in our understanding of the human brain". Brainkey's work allows patients to view their own MRI scans in 3-D while teaching them about the regions of the brain through an online platform. In this episode, Dr. Owen Phillips discusses how BrainKey develops 3-D MRI visualizations. Top three takeaways: An MRI consists of photographic slices of your brain put together to produce an image. Brainkey takes these images and makes a 3-D model. 3-D imaging allows for biometric data to be collected that could provide more information about neurological diseases. Your brain age can be calculated through the MRI scans, giving patients data to track brain health. [0:00] Ladan introduces the episode and the guest, Dr. Owen Phillips. [2:30] Dr. Owen Phillips explains how Brainkey makes medical imaging friendly for the patient. [4:00] By developing relationships with MRI centers, Brainkey can provide affordable MRI scans. [6:20] Repeated Brainkey MRI scans can allow patients to view how their brain has changed over time and check on their brain health. [8:30] As a HIPAA compliant company, they ensure that patient data is secure. [10:20] Aside from getting a 3-D visualization, you can also get a life-size 3-D print of your brain. [13:25] While many are still able to upload their MRI into Brainkey, COVID has made it difficult to provide MRI scans as easily.

Dr. Alfred Poor is the editor and publisher at Health Tech Insider. Aside from this, he is also a technology speaker and writer, providing insight into the health technology community. In this episode, Dr. Alfred Poor discusses current events in brain-computer interface technology. Top three takeaways: Health Tech Insider provides newsletters that cover wearable mobile devices for health and medical applications. In this time of online conferences, it takes great lighting, audio, and engagement to be a successful speaker. It is becoming increasingly popular for doctors to remotely monitor patients. [0:00] Ladan introduces the episode and the guest, Dr. Alfred Poor. [2:20] Dr. Poor discusses the differences between online and onsite conferences. [5:10] Dr. Poor emphasizes the importance of having an online conference structure that allows for audience participation. [8:20] Using an external camera and microphone during online meetings can keep members engaged and help presenters get their message across clearly. [11:40] After the COVID-19 pandemic, the new normal will include much more online events than previously. [13:10] Dr. Poor describes his roles at Health Tech Insider. [16:30] Brain-computer interface technology is creating ways to close a feedback loop for motion and senses in the body. [18:10] Smartphone technology has accelerated the progress of brain-computer interface devices. [21:35] Monitoring of blood sugar levels has become exponentially easier over time due to continuous glucose monitors and now under-the-skin sensors. [25:00] Artificial intelligence and machine learning play key roles in making use of the biometric data collected with new technologies. [28:30] A new Galaxy watch product will be able to take in blood pressure and ECG.

This week's guests from NICO Corporation are Jim Pearson, who is the founder, president, and CEO, and Joseph Mark, CTO. The third guest is Dr. Julian Bailes, part of the NorthShore University Health System as Co-Director of the NorthShore Neurological Institute. The NICO Corporation is based in Indianapolis. Their technology has been used in over 35,000 brain surgeries, published in 100+ clinical articles, and they have been awarded hundreds of patents on their technology and surgical methodologies. In this episode, Jim Pearson, Dr. Julian Bailes, and Joseph Mark discuss how NICO Corporation is innovating brain surgery. Top three takeaways: The brain is the last and only major organ in the human body left to not have a Minimally Invasive approach. NICO is changing this through the use of their interventional technology coupled with advanced imaging. The brain's fiber tracks can be identified, and these images are then coupled with NICO's technology allowing imaging and intervention to be used simultaneously, resulting in more effective and safe brain surgeries. NICO Corporation has developed technologies and a brain surgery approach that displaces tissue using the natural folds to gain access rather than slicing through it and it has successfully been used over 35,000 brain surgeries. Their current technology has solved the demanding problem of internal safe access to deep areas in the brain to remove a tumor or a blood clot. Now, their next challenge is about "putting technology into the brain". They are at the cutting edge of Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) and they are accomplishing this by being the first to implant a computer chip deep in the brain (not just on the surface) where 99% of the functioning of the brain occurs. [0:00] Ladan introduces the episode and the guests, Jim Pearson, Joseph Mark, and Dr. Julian Bailes. [3:35] Jim Pearson discusses the start of NICO Corporation. [5:25] Dr. Julian Bailes tells of his experience as a neurosurgeon working with NICO Corporation. [7:30] Joseph Mark describes the process of designing devices that provide safe access to the brain. [10:00] The displacement method does not cut through tissue but rather moves it while keeping it intact. [13:10] Other aspects such as tissue preservation and biological preservation are beginning to show importance in brain tumor research. [16:20] Their next project is to implant a murine model in a rat to show that it is possible to get in and out of the deepest areas of the brain without compromising brain function. This is where 99% of the functionality is and the most important aspect of the brain. [18:17] For human patients, the access portals are 11 and 13.5 millimeters in diameter; and these values are scaled down for animal implants. [21:30] The future of NICO Corporation is finding ways to surgically place things into the brain causing the least damage and minimizing invasion. [24:00] Their current focus is a major trial on hemorrhagic strokes, which Dr.Bailes is a part of. [27:20] The group seeks to find what effect the mechanical interfaces have on the final results of the brain surgery. [31:15] The NICO Corporation ensures that each customer of their devices is properly trained before use.

Gordon Wilson is the co-founder and CEO of Rain Neuromorphics. They work on technologies that improve memory processing, analog computation, and scalable systems. In this episode, Gordon Wilson discusses how Rain Neuromorphics recreates neural networks. Top three takeaways: Rain Neuromorphics prides itself on providing technology that has reimagined the analog multiplication architecture. GPUs are the standard hardware used for neural networks because of their capability of performing matrix algebra. It is important to focus on technology that processes information at the source. [0:00] Ladan introduces the episode and the guest, Gordon Wilson. [2:40] Wilson describes why building a brain is necessary for understanding it. [4:40] In this research, it is fundamental to understand the difference between digital and analog signal processing. [7:10] Processing in memory consists of using analog processors to complete matrix math. [9:40] The Rain Neuromorphics technology allows scaling up of analog processing to build larger neural networks. [12:30] Current projects include fabricating nano-wires that perform matrix multiplication. [14:50] Chips that are analog and scalable are very well suited to be the kind of device in brain processing. [16:30] The "memristor" is programmable and capable of changing resistance values. [19:30] Rain Neuromorphics completes multidisciplinary projects in the Bay area. [21:47] The product that Rain Neuromorphics will bring to the market will be a massive, sparsely connected array of neurons. [24:40] A "puff" occurs when wires are placed in a stochastic fashion in such a way that they are physically unclonable.

Dr. Ivan Gligorijević is the co-founder and CEO of mBrainTrain, based in Serbia. Their main goal is to improve the quality of life of users through non-invasive electrode technology. In this episode, Dr. Ivan Gligorijević discusses how mBrainTrain is producing a mobile EEG device. Top three takeaways: The headphone design of the device makes it easy to use in everyday conditions. Through this methodology of data collection, there is no invasiveness or risk to the individual. The goal of the device is to help users gain back their time and life through the optimization of their mental state. [0:00] Ladan introduces the episode and the guest, Dr. Ivan Gligorijević. [2:10] Gligorijević explains how the headphone device is suitable for recording brain activity in everyday conditions. [4:30] With the EEG data obtained in the headset, more can be learned about a person's mental workload, focus, and even quantification of stress. [8:00] The device consists of electrodes at the ears and top of the headphone to extract part of the EEG. [10:30] Gligorijević emphasizes the importance of scientific studies confirming the positive effects and strategies of similar headphone devices. [12:40] Being based in Serbia, it can be difficult to gain funding but the mBrainTrain team received a grant in 2014. [15:50] The future direction for the company is to bring EEG to everyday people and have it be viewed as a new type of interface. [17:40] mBrainTrain firmly believes that having technology that is scientifically proven to work through research is necessary.

Top three takeaways: The goal is to accelerate the translation of devices to be able to reach patients globally. Jojo Platt is the co-creator of Skraps, a podcast that focuses on the inspirations and stories of influential people in various scientific fields. There is an important conversation to be had about the future of implantable devices and user privacy. [0:00] Ladan introduces the episode and the guest, Jojo Platt. [2:15] Platt talks about her involvement in the MSRI-EC conference. [5:36] The conference included video testimonials from Ian Burkhart and Kelly Owens, both research advocates and participants. [7:00] Vanessa Tolosa, one of the founding members of Elon Musk's Neuralink, also gave a presentation at the conference. [12:24] Platt emphasizes the need for the public to discuss the privacy of information associated with brain-computer interface technology. [14:03] Skraps is a new podcast that Jojo Platt and her partner Arun Sridhar created, having guests from various fields talk about their experiences and inspirations.

Richard Hanbury is the founder and CEO of Sana Health. Their device consists of a non-addictive mask and headphones that use stimulation to increase balance in the hemispheres of the brain. This leads to greater relaxation and can mitigate the effects of fibromyalgia, pain, anxiety, and depression. In this episode, Richard Hanbury discusses how Sana Health's device can help users achieve relaxation. Top three takeaways: The Sana Health sleep mask and headphones use pulses of light and sound to help users get better sleep. By stimulating the left and right hemispheres of the brain to a balance, users can reach a deeply relaxed state. The device is sold on the basis of monthly subscriptions, with users even being given a free one-month trial period. [0:00] Ladan introduces the episode and the guest, Richard Hanbury. [2:20] Hanbury discusses upcoming clinical trials that assess how this wellness device helps with pain, anxiety, and depression. [6:00] A difference is seen in the EEG of a long-term meditator compared to those who rarely meditate, which was useful in the development of this device. [9:00] People experiencing long time chronic pain or anxiety tend to have a hemispheric imbalance. [11:00] Using the theory of brain hemisphere balancing, there have been promising results in the treatment of opioid use disorder and fibromyalgia. [13:40] The focus of the company shifted from being a solely sleep based company to neuropathic pain remedies. [15:50] New clinical trials are being done for FDA approval of the device with a larger sampling size, which has shown great results thus far. [17:30] Users can gain access to the device through monthly subscriptions, making it affordable to a larger amount of people.

Dr. Jessica Robin is a scientist at Winterlight Labs. Winterlight Labs is a speech analytics company based in Ontario, Canada. They use applied healthcare technology to assess Alzheimer's and dementia progression. In this episode, Dr. Jessica Robin discusses how voice samplings can be used to make predictions about diseases. Top three takeaways: Dr. Jessica Robin and her team give patients a picture to look at, and the patient describes what they see, giving them speech data to analyze. Current projects include mining interviews of celebrities for data showing alterations in speech as a prediction to Alzheimer's. The data collected ranges from unstructured and structured speech to assess the acoustics, pacing, and syntax. [0:00] Ladan introduces the episode and the guest, Dr. Jessica Robin. [2:50] Just one minute of speech can give over 500 variables of speech data to analyze. [3:40] This type of technology can be applied to presidential speeches, and studies show that it is useful in observing healthy versus Alzheimer's patients' voices. [4:50] While certain conditions of voice samples such as previously prepared speeches do not provide the choice of syntax, acoustic and cadence data can be observed instead. [7:00] Dr. Jessica Robin wishes to expand into psychiatric disorders since aspects of a person's mental state are reflected in how they speak.

Brian Pepin is the CEO and founder of Rune Labs. Since 2018, Rune Labs has managed neuromodulation systems in a way that acquires the most value out of the data available through therapies. Through this process, they hope to improve current models and push the neuromodulation field forward. In this episode, Brian Pepin discusses how Rune Labs is working to improve the ways data is collected and evaluated. Top three takeaways: The two main projects consist of precision medicine, such as decision support, and remote monitoring. The goal is to build better neuromodulation therapies in terms of collecting continuous data rather than just at a clinical visit. The pandemic has caused a push towards remote data collection for clinical trials. [0:00] Ladan introduces the episode and the guest, Brian Pepin. [1:00] Brian Pepin explains the role that Rune Labs plays in neuromodulation technology. [4:00] A new Apple Watch integration allows for the collection of many types of data that can be assessed by researchers using algorithms to yield clinical results. [7:10] Patient privacy towards data collected is highly protected and regulated. [10:50] The goal of Rune Labs is to properly gather effective data that can be used to build and improve models that push the field forward. [12:30] Amid the pandemic, there has been an urgency for continuous remote monitoring in order for clinical trials to proceed. [15:30] While some patients prefer the convenience of telemedicine, others strongly prefer face-to-face interaction with clinicians. [18:15] The future goal is to have a large-scale simulation of neurological diseases in which different data and therapies could be derived from.

Arvind Gupta is the founder and venture advisor at IndieBio, a biotech company accelerator based in San Francisco. Through an intense four-month program, IndieBio's team guides a promising technological project into being an accomplished company. They pride themselves on being the home of tomorrow's leading companies. In this episode, Arvind Gupta discusses his strategy in turning ideas into successful companies. Top three takeaways: IndieBio collaborates with incredible technological innovations and strategizes the best way to set up a business that maximizes the impact of the invention and the value created by that invention. IndieBio plans to build milestone-based businesses that can interface people with machines to get a greater quantification of personal thoughts and feelings. 83% of the 116 companies IndieBio has funded are still alive today, totaling a worth of $2.3 billion. [0:00] Ladan introduces the episode and the guest, Arvind Gupta. [1:10] IndieBio is a biotech company accelerator, helping companies with business and scientific milestones. [4:10] Being based in San Francisco, the pool of investors is smaller but the market size is immense. [6:20] Before IndieBio, Gupta invested in Vivid Vision, which used virtual reality to cure lazy eyes and improve vision. [10:30] IndieBio is looking for ideas that are noninvasive, cognitive enhancements that provide a benefit to a large market size. [13:50] Over the course of four months, mentors, investors, and venture capitalists work in the IndieBio lab to de-risk the chosen companies towards success. [17:00] 43% of all the companies funded by IndieBio have female cofounders and have better performance because of it. [19:30] The accelerated nature of IndieBio allows for intense work to quickly figure out the potential success rate of a project.

Dr. Stavros Zanos is an Assistant Professor at the Feinstein Institute for Medical Research. In his Translational Neurophysiology lab, they develop methods and techniques to interface with, stimulate and record the vagus nerve to understand how it controls physiological functions, with the end goal of developing therapies for diseases. In this episode, Dr. Stavros Zanos discusses his recent publication regarding anodal blocking in the vagus nerve. Top three takeaways: The selectivity capability between afferent and efferent fibers will be used to create better therapies using vagus nerve stimulation. The vagotomy technique proved to be useful when assessing the characteristics of the fibers as afferent or efferent. A major challenge of this project was recording the effects of the vagus nerve stimulation due to their complexity. [0:00] Ladan introduces the episode and the guest, Dr. Stavros Zanos. [2:10] Dr. Zanos tells how his experiences led him to the Feinstein Institute. [4:10] His focus has been on engineering implants, understanding the physiological effects of bioelectronic therapies, and testing animal models to be able to create chronic implants for testing therapies. [7:00] The anodal block technique used in their publication is a way of biasing the activation of afferent and efferent fibers to effectively treat different diseases. [9:30] At the lowest intensity of stimuli, the larger fibers get engaged first; as you increase the intensity, smaller fibers are able to be engaged. [13:30] Judging by the physiological changes that occurred during a vagotomy, afferent and efferent fibers are indexed. [16:00] Dr. Zanos cautions researchers to always evaluate the translatability of their devices from animals to humans. [18:00] Another major focus of the lab is to develop chronic implants in animals, understand how to make them last longer, and then judge how the interface changes over time. [20:30] By increasing the intensity of stimulation, there is a greater amount of potentials going in one direction and blockage of the other potentials. [24:10] The cycle of innovation when it comes to medical devices ranges between five to 10 years.

Dr. Patrick Ganzer is a Principal Research Scientist at Battelle. Battelle uses groundbreaking science and technology to solve the world's most pressing issues. Their projects focus on vagus nerve stimulation, haptic feedback technologies, and helping paralyzed patients regain mobility. In this episode, Dr. Patrick Ganzer shares the incredible story of Ian Burkhart and the new developments at Battelle. Top three takeaways: The goal was to have the paralyzed patient, Ian Burkhart, have a chip implanted that would become active when he thought of a movement he wanted to complete. Even with weak natural signals remaining, BCI technologies are able to pick up multiple types of information in a seemingly small area of the brain. When vague signals of residual touch are perceived, an artificial haptic feedback is activated on the skin so that the patient can have some capacity of conscious touch. [0:00] Ladan introduces the episode and the guest, Patrick Ganzer. [3:10] Dr. Ganzer speaks about his recent publication in Cell regarding a paralyzed patient, Ian Burkhart, that they were able to give mobility to in his hands. [5:00] After the injury and with intense practice, there could have been plasticity in Ian's cortex such that touch and movement representations may have started to overlap. [7:30] There can still be a faint signal recognition in the motor cortex, which hints that even a small amount of fibers can relay reasonable transmission of sensory information. [9:30] There are weak signals that can be picked up from the somatosensory cortex next to the implant chip with regard to mood, muscle stretch, movement, and touch. [13:25] A new project focuses on vibrotactile or a vibration intensity feedback in the bicep correlating to varying grip pressures. [15:40] Battelle is working on getting the haptic feedback to be incorporated into the sleeve technology in order to be able to miniaturize the system for home use. [17:10] Demultiplexing techniques are used to separate touch and movement signals that are occurring at the same time to power different devices. [21:30] While at UT Dallas, Dr. Ganzer worked on a therapy that focused on vagus nerve stimulation to help the brain grow new connections and neuro-plasticity during rehab. [23:20] His work currently focuses on using vagus nerve stimulation to treat ischemia, a cardiovascular disease causing inadequate oxygenation. [26:00] A perk of being a PI at Battelle is the opportunity to develop new technologies that get made into devices rather than strictly writing papers. Relevant Episodes: Bolu Ajiboye, Ian Burckhart, David Friedenberg

Kelly Roman is the cofounder and CEO of Fisher Wallace Laboratories. Since 2007, their revolutionary Stimulator device helps all types of patients cope with mental illness through brain stimulation. In this episode, Mr. Roman emphasizes maintaining science as a priority while building a sustainable business. Top three takeaways: The biomarker studies completed using the Fisher Wallace Stimulator have shown increases in serotonin and endorphins with a decrease in cortisol and stress hormone. The Stimulator has a 70-75% success rate with almost no side effects. With a low maximum output and safe product placement variability, the Stimulator is a very user-friendly device. [0:00] Ladan introduces the episode and the guest, Kelly Roman. [1:30] Roman discusses the beginnings of how the Fisher Wallace Stimulator came to be. [4:15] A Mount Sinai study showed that compared to patients given a placebo device, those using the Fisher Wallace Stimulator saw improvement in their mental illness symptoms. [6:30] Alternating current used in the stimulator allows for brainwave entrainment, which leaves the brain in the desired brainwave state even after stimulation has stopped. [8:25] Patients are reporting 70-75% success rate when treating at least one symptom. [11:30] The next step for the company is to compile MRI and imagery data using the device. [14:00] The Stimulator device is inexpensive due to highly effective commercialization and lack of needed doctor administration. [16:25] For safety, there is a low output current that still maintains clinical effects. [19:20] Roman explains the process of acquiring the intellectual property for the device and the company's beginnings. [21:50] Due to Roman's digital marketing experience and many prominent drugs becoming generic, sales for Fisher Wallace's new device went well.

Sarah Hill, CEO and Dr. Jeff Tarrant, Chief Science Officer, started Healium in 2015. Healium uses the user's wearable device to show purposeful content to help control the state of mind of the user. In this episode, Dr. Jeff Tarrant and Sarah Hill speak about the ways Healium is developing anxiety relief through virtual and augmented reality techniques. Top three takeaways: Healium is an app that contains more than 20 virtual reality experiences that are designed to guide users into a specific state of consciousness. There are studies around the world looking at the effects of using Healium from labor pain, PTSD, and addictions to generalized anxiety and pain. Compared to a control group, those with moderate anxiety using Healium saw a significant decrease in the activation of their anterior cingulate cortex, which is responsible for feelings of stress and anxiety. [0:00] Ladan introduces the episode and the guests, Sarah Hill and Dr. Jeff Tarrant. [2:30] Sarah Hill discusses her background in journalism and Dr. Jeff Tarrant discusses his background in psychophysiological monitoring. [4:20] The Healium app helps achieve a calm state of mind using virtual reality techniques. [6:25] There can sometimes be a disconnect between what we say we are feeling versus what our brain waves are showing our state of mind is. [8:15] Healium has future plans to add features that can provide physiological measurements that have an effect on the vagus nerve. [10:40] In their research studies, a 19 electrode EEG cap is placed on patients and the sLORETA process is used. [14:20] Healium is a self-awareness tool that helps to create a mind-body connection that many people have not been trained to have. [16:40] The virtual reality experiences range from South American waterfalls to solar systems, providing focus-driven content. [19:20] Hill emphasizes the importance of protecting not only our physical hygiene but our mental health hygiene as well.

Dr. Ryan Todd Discusses How Headversity Provides Resilience Training Ryan Todd is the cofounder and CEO of Headversity. He completed his MD at the University of Calgary. Since then, he has worked as a psychiatrist and cofounded this company. Headversity focuses on facilitating resilience in the workplace using a personalized app. In this episode, Dr. Todd speaks about the ways Headversity is able to provide resilience in these trying times. Top three takeaways: Headversity focuses on resilience training so when faced with adversity, people not only survive but thrive in these situations. The main skills targeted with resilience training include stress management, mindfulness, and hardiness. An initial psychometric exam will provide you with a resilience score that guides you to the tools and content that would be most helpful for you. [0:00] Ladan introduces the episode and the guest, Dr. Ryan Todd. [2:00] Todd explains how Headversity is a training program targeting improving resilience, which is given to all employees at many large organizations. [4:30] A hardiness mindset consists of realizing the differences in what we can and cannot control, and reflecting upon these differences. [6:30] Resilience is easiest to spot in athletes because we can see how they react under pressure, but these aspects can be applied to our mental fitness as well. [8:40] Headversity users have shown an increase in mindfulness, mental health and heartiness scores of 30% over six months.

Dr. Pawel Soluch is the founder and CEO of Neuro Device Group S.A. He completed his PhD in the field of functional brain research from the University of Warsaw. Neuro Device focuses on wearable devices to mitigate the limitations aphasia presents as well as olfactory devices that can provide data on olfactory sensor activity. In this episode, Dr. Soluch speaks about the ways Neuro Device is developing devices that can predict the onset of Alzheimer's and help overcome speech impairments. Top three takeaways: Aphasia is a speech impairment most commonly caused by a stroke, tumor or infection. People with aphasia are often intellectually intact with no way of communicating, which can cause social problems. The Voic device merges modern neuromodulation, clinical experience and new technology to improve the quality of life of post-stroke aphasia patients. The first symptoms of neurodegenerative diseases are smell disorders. Neuro Device's scent project will help by providing early diagnosis of such diseases. [0:00] Ladan introduces the episode and the guest, Dr. Pawel Soluch. [2:20] Soluch discusses his beginnings in neurotech as a PhD student and why he decided to create Neuro Device. [5:15] Their team has goals to create an invasive and non-invasive stimulator in relation to neurostimulation to prevent aphasia. [8:30] Aphasia can have more negative impacts on the quality of life than symptoms associated with cancer or Alzheimer's. [10:15] The Neuro Device Voic allows therapists to build their own exercise programs on the model, making it adaptable to different languages. [12:30] The devices use applications of oscillating electrical currents to influence cortical excitability and activity. [15:25] The global pandemic has caused a pause on the progress of the olfactory device project while the Voic device is developing in hardware and software. [18:10] The company has grown to be a success including 30 people partnering with leaders in science and medical device technology. [21:35] The scent project in development could be used as an effective tool for the early diagnosis of diseases like Alzheimer's.

Dr. Mauro Gandolfo is the cofounder and CEO of 3Brain. He received a PhD in Bioengineering from Università degli Studi di Genova and over the last 15 years, has committed to facilitating research in major fields like neuroscience, ophthalmology and cardiology. 3Brain is the world's first company to create microelectrode arrays with high resolution (HD-MEAs). In this episode, Dr.Gandolfo speaks about the ways brain organoids and CMOS technology are revolutionizing our understanding of neuronal functions. Top three takeaways: The main advantage of using CMOS-APS technology over conventional microelectrode arrays is that it is possible to manipulate many electrodes within a small area and prevent undersampling. The label-free, non-invasive methodology of 3Brain allows for data to be collected over extended periods of time, which will benefit studies on neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. The extent of oversampling can be controlled by finding a balance of compromising resolution and the range in area of neurons being measured. [0:00] Ladan introduces the episode and the guest, Mauro Gandolfo. [2:30] Gandolfo discusses the beginnings of 3Brain and how their products revolutionize electrophysiology using CMOS technology. [5:40] Their team has worked to modify the structure of the pixel on the CMOS device to measure changes in voltage of neuron membranes rather than photons. [8:10] The 3Brain approach eliminates the need to dye cells and instead emphasizes functional imaging, where cell behavior is observed. [10:50] While each electrode can sense 1-3 cells, triangulation can be used to find the source of the information, and as a result, locating the neuron. [13:20] As a control for oversampling, compression tools allow users to decide the level of information they want to capture based on their study. [15:35] Stem cell technology and cellular reprogramming technology have revolutionized medicine in the 21st century. [17:40] Brain organoids allow scientists to test compounds that can treat neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. [19:20] Researchers are working on adding components to the organoids to increase accuracy such as vasculature and diversification of cells. [21:20] A new project consists of 3-D technology that can penetrate into the organoids to record data from the inside. [24:30] Currently, the goal height of their silicon chip is 100 microns, promoting more proper recordings of brain organoid behavior. [26:20] 3Brain's mission is to provide answers to patients with brain diseases, contributing through their technologies.

Amir Bozorgzadeh is the cofounder and CEO of Virtuleap. Virtuleap uses specialized virtual reality games to help improve cognitive health. The company has successfully developed data dashboards that communicate the cognitive performance progress of each user. In this episode, he discusses the current ways VR is altering the landscape of brain training, as well as the future of Virtuleap. Top three takeaways: Virtuleap works to translate standardized cognitive tests approved by scientists into VR games that range in complexity, providing high quality 3-D interaction brain training. There is hope that in the future VR cognitive therapy can benefit people suffering from cognitive disorders such as dementia, Alzheimer's, and Parkinson's. The VR games by Virtuleap are created alongside research institutes which use the VR data as a way of measuring cognitive health changes in participants of clinical studies. [0:00] Ladan introduces the episode and the guest, Amir Bozorgzadeh. [2:45] Bozorgzadeh discusses the positive outcomes of brain training with VR. [5:00] Virtuleap works to translate standardized cognitive tests into VR games in hopes of creating a diverse library for users. [7:45] The targeted audience is the growing elderly population, which is predicted to outnumber children within the next ten years for the first time in United States history. [9:00] Virtuleap can help users to improve their quality of life and cognitive health. [11:20] Bozorgzadeh expresses the importance of having technical and non-technical members in any startup. [12:00] In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, there is an increased demand for STEM oriented startups. [13:30] While a research-validated startup can be challenging, it is rewarding to be able to create a company that provides such great benefits to society.

Dr. Ginger Campbell is the host of Brain Science, a very large neuroscience podcast, and one of the earliest neuroscience podcasts created. In this episode, she discusses the podcast itself, why and how she started it up, as well as what it takes to run a neuroscience podcast. Top three takeaways: If you want to make a scientific podcast, you must understand the workload that comes with it. It takes a lot to generate accurate scientific content for your listeners. When doing a scientific podcast, it is critical to think about your audience. It can be very helpful to try to reach those outside your field, especially in science, as there is a need for this communication. When picking a topic for your podcast, pick something that you are passionate about, and something that you can talk about easily. [0:00] Ladan introduces the episode and the guest, Ginger Campbell [3:30] Campbell explains why she chose neuroscience as the topic for her podcast [6:45] The subject that Campbell is most interested in right now is the intrinsic activity of the brain [10:15] One author suggests that we should do away with the idea of the mind, and focus more on how the brain as an organ interacts with the world around it [12:45] To make a scientific podcast, one must realize that there is a tremendous workload involved. Creating accurate scientific content for a podcast is much different than making a podcast talking about your favorite TV show or sports team. [16:30] Authors enjoy coming onto the podcast for the publicity, as obtaining publicity can be very difficult, and being a guest on a popular podcast can be very beneficial [19:00] When doing a science podcast, you need to deeply think about the audience you are trying to reach. Communicating with those outside your field about what your field does is very beneficial in building a good audience, as there is a need for this type of communication. [22:15] Be careful of goofing off at the beginning of shows and going off on irrelevant tangents early in the episode, or it may prompt some audience members to stop listening [26:00] Campbell started the podcast because she has an interest and a knack for explaining science, the same way she explains medicine to her patients [29:30] Due to the current economic crisis happening, podcasters depending on advertising will likely suffer within the near future [31:00] For those wanting to do a podcast, it is important to pick a subject that you are passionate about. Talk about what you know and what interests you. [34:30] It is easier to make a podcast about neuroscience than about quantum mechanics, because everyone has a brain, whereas quantum mechanics do not affect people's lives [37:00] Listener feedback is what will really keep you going when it gets tough [39:00] Ladan gives further thoughts on the discussion and discusses the services of Neural Implant Media TRANSCRIPT (Auto-generated): Welcome to the neural implant podcast where we talk with the people behind the current events and breakthroughs in brain implants and understandable way, helping bring together various fields involved in Euro prosthetics. Here is your host, Latin Yara. Check. Hello everyone, and welcome to the neural implant podcast. Today we have a special guest. It's ginger Campbell of the brain science. Podcast, and I'm really happy to have her on the show. She is an O, G original gangster of the neuroscience podcasting space. She's been doing this since 2006 and the really one of the pioneers of podcasting, she says podcasting started in 2004 so she's not completely. The first person to do this, but that was like 1415 years ago, so you know, we can call it pretty much like that. So really interesting stuff. She's had over 10 million downloads on her show and really an honor to talk to. One of the people that started out Pluralsight is podcasting ginger Campbell. Pleasure to have you on the show. You are the host of the brain science podcast, which is a huge neuroscience podcast, and I'm really excited to have you on. We've actually been talking about this for awhile and do you want to introduce the podcast a little bit? Yeah, thanks. First I want to mention that the name of the podcast is. Brain science podcast is not part of the name anymore. Just in case you happen to be searching in your podcasting app. I think I took the name, I think I took podcasts I will name about five years ago. Actually, I don't remember exactly when I did it. I decided that putting podcasts in your title had become sort of redundant. Back when I started in 2006 it was really common for podcasts to be part of the title, but you know, now it's not so much. So anyway, just plain old brain science, neuroscience for everyone. Now you're making me rethink the name of my podcast. And so basically the idea of the show is to explore how recent discoveries in neuroscience are helping unravel the mystery of how our brains make us human. And my tagline is. The show for everyone who has a brain,

Keeping a company in business during a major recession can be like keeping a boat afloat amidst stormy waters. The neurotech company Neuros Medical was created in the middle of the Great Recession of 2008, and still fares well even during the current recession brought on by COVID-19. In this episode, Jon Snyder, the founder of Neuros Medical, discusses, during the NYC Neuromodulation 2020 Online Conference, how the company was founded and succeeded during the Great Recession, and what advice a neurotech company should follow in the face of limited funding and capital. Top three takeaways: During the Great Recession, when Neuros Medical was starting out, the economic world was very uncertain from day to day, and you never really knew which neurotech companies would be able to maintain enough funding to survive. Neuros Medical fared so well because it was very focused and determined, but above all, very capital efficient. It didn't rely on hundreds of millions of dollars, and could do a lot with a little. When running a neurotech company during a difficult time like this, it is important to ask yourself why you're doing this, remember that your products will eventually help patients, and remember that tough times don't last, but tough people do. [0:00] Ladan introduces the episode [3:20] Ladan introduces and discusses Neural Implant Media [6:00] Jen French discusses how various companies fared throughout the Great Recession, and how some companies did better than others [10:00] Jon Snyder introduces himself and discusses the nerve block created by Neuros Medical [12:45] The bulk of testing for the nerve block happens in the US because the US is where Neuros Medical received the necessary Investigational Device Exemption for the pilot studies [16:30] The company was incorporated in 2008, in the heart of the Great Recession [20:00] During the Great Recession, the economic world was changing every day, to the point where you didn't know from day to day whether a neurotech company was going to be able to raise any more necessary capital [24:00] Snyder discusses how those in academia can get a better understanding of the funding landscape and better interact with funders [27:45] Snyder's mindset is to be very capital efficient, which worked out very well when the company first started [31:15] Snyder discusses liquidity as the company raises capital and how this will change going forward [33:15] People losing their jobs nowadays increases the pool of talented candidates for the company, which is an optimistic way of looking at things [35:45] The company was successful because it was very focused and capital efficient, which may have been how other companies were successful during the Great Recession [40:30] It is important to be able to know whether your company would fare better as more management heavy or more tech-heavy [43:45] As a neurotech company, what you're working on will eventually help patients, which is something very important to think about when you think about why you're doing what you're doing [46:20] Tough times don't last, but tough people do. It's what's inside of us that can help us get through this setback. [48:00] Neurotech Entrepreneur Working Network is a great network for entrepreneurs to share ideas and advice for the success of new neurotech ventures [52:40] Ladan briefly discusses the Neurotech Entrepreneur Working Network again

During unusual times like this, it is more important than ever to have good communication with your peers in the neurotech industry. In this episode, Avery Bedows and JoJo Platt discuss, at the NYC Neuromodulation 2020 Online Conference, the importance of having a good network of peers, and how to establish such a network and keep it robust. Top three takeaways: It is very important in fields such as neurotech to build up a good and reliable network and to have clear communication, especially during times like this with the COVID-19 pandemic When receiving a request from someone asking to be added to your network that you don't know, it is important to learn more about the person by searching for mutual connections, and what their work involves It's hard to learn about things you don't know you need to learn, and it takes humility and willingness to learn a new skill set for a different work environment [0:00] Ladan introduces the episode [2:20] Avery Bedows introduces himself, gives his background, and discusses his consulting group, called the Substrate Group [5:45] Bedows discusses his framework of story world, storyline, and storytelling [9:10] Ladan gives a bit of background about himself, the podcast, and Neural Implant Media [12:30] JoJo Platt of Behind the Bench discusses what she does as it relates to helping clients create strategic partnerships and collaborations [15:20] When receiving a request to be added to your network from someone you don't know, it is important to see who they are, what your mutual connections are, and whether they are legit [20:00] It may be in bad taste to post content that is superfluous and redundant during this time [24:30] If you do not have lab access to learn about a topic, learn by reading (and by binging this podcast) [27:30] It's hard to learn about things you don't know you need to learn, and it takes humility to admit that the business world comes with a different skill set that is necessary than for academia [30:00] The biggest hurdle to getting your idea out into the real world has to do with regulatory obstacles rather than communicatory obstacles

Dr. Shelley Fried is an associate professor at Massachusetts General Hospital, the teaching hospital to Harvard Medical School. His work involves retinal prostheses and using electromagnetic fields to stimulate neurons. In this episode, he discusses these fields of research, as well as goals and challenges with each of them. Top three takeaways: The main challenge with current retinal prostheses is that the visual acuity it provides is so poor that it cannot be meaningfully used for most daily applications, so there is a need for a narrower and more specific region of stimulation within the retina. Non-contact magnetic stimulation using coils has the advantage of avoiding a lot of challenges faced with electrodes, and it provides more specific and confined stimulation. The goal with magnetic stimulation coils is to clinically test them in a number of blind patients and compare the obtained visual acuity relative to that obtained from electrodes. [0:00] Ladan introduces the episode and the guest, Dr. Shelley Fried [2:15] Fried discusses his background and how he came to study retinal prostheses [5:00] Visual prostheses work by mirroring the visual pathway; in diseases involving retinal damage, the prostheses target downstream bipolar cells [8:20] A major challenge with stimulating visual neurons is that since they are packed into such a small space, being able to manufacture electrodes small enough to fit into the retina and accurately implant them is difficult [11:45] The retinal prosthesis has the advantage of not involving direct surgical procedures with the brain [15:30] The main goal now is to get the electrodes closer together to activate a narrower region of the retina in order to improve visual acuity [18:30] There are a number of barriers to getting these visual prostheses on the market, namely that the vision it provides cannot be meaningfully used due to the visual acuity being so poor [21:30] By properly activating ON cells without simultaneously activating OFF cells in the retina, the goal is to be able to recreate natural signaling to the retina [25:30] There are a lot of issues that arise with electrodes, such as charge density limitations, foreign body response, and stability [28:00] Non-contact magnetic stimulation evades these concerns, and the coils used can safely activate neurons in the cortex [31:00] With electric stimulation, cells far from the stimulation site can be stimulated, but with magnetic stimulation, the stimulation is much more specific and confined more to the stimulation site [34:30] Current is not being deposited directly into tissue, but is passing through the coiled wire where it generates the magnetic field for stimulation [38:00] After successfully conducting surgical tests for these coils, the goal is to clinically test the devices in a number of blind patients and observe the resulting visual acuity [42:00] Changing stimulation location and parameters is easier with these coils, and the interaction between the induced fields from multiple coils is being looked into [44:00] Ladan gives further thoughts on the discussion with Dr. Fried

Dr. Robert Riener is a professor at ETH Zurich in Switzerland. His research involves exoskeletons, brain-computer interfaces, and EEG. He is also in charge of running the Cybathlon in ETH Zurich, which is an Olympic-like event where patients with disabilities compete, using assistive robotic devices. In this episode, he discusses the Cybathlon, its events, and its goals and purpose. Top three takeaways: The Cybathlon is a major athletic competition where the participants use assistive robotic devices and prosthetics to compete in the events, which are centered around daily life activities. The main purpose of the Cybathlon is to promote inclusion of people with disabilities. Most of the teams are developing specific technologies to participate in the Cybathlon, so this event has also helped spark a movement in creating new robotic technologies. [0:00] Ladan introduces the episode and the guest, Dr. Robert Riener [2:20] Riener discusses his research and how the robotic devices that he researches work [6:30] Cybathlon is an athletic competition for disabled people who use robotic devices; there are several events including the brain-computer interface race [9:00] Russia also enjoys this event, and is coordinating their own similar event. President Putin has stated that he is willing to organize the next international Cybathlon event in Russia in 2024. [12:30] The most important goal of the Cybathlon is to support the inclusion of people with disabilities into athletic events [15:00] The obstacle courses in the events are centered around daily life events; for example, an activity for patients with arm prosthetics may involve the use of the BCI arm to manipulate and carry objects [18:30] The awards in the competition include not only a medal and a cup, but also the honor of participating, and the "Swiss experience" [21:00] "Techno-doping" is approved, and even encouraged, as long as it is done in a safe manner [25:00] About 80% of the teams competing in the Cybathlon are developing completely new technologies, or are updating existing technologies [28:20] This could be the biggest brain-computer interface event that's ever happened

Dr. Andrew Wilder is the CEO of Ripple Neuro, a medical device company which specializes in neural interface technology and neuroprosthetics. In this episode, he discusses how the company plans to progress in the next decade, as part of their big 10-year announcement. Top three takeaways: One big advancement that Ripple Neuro is planning to make in the next decade is to hold clinical trials for neuroprosthetic upper limbs, and obtain market clearance for these devices As far as the company itself goes, Ripple Neuro will be restructuring itself over the next decade to accommodate markets for both end medical devices and components for medical devices Ripple Neuro is constantly seeking those who are passionate about the long-term sustainability of the company, as well as those who have a passion for solving challenges and having an impact on the world [0:00] Ladan introduces the episode and the guest, Dr. Andrew Wilder [1:45] Wilder discusses his background, how he became CEO of Ripple Neuro, and what the mission of Ripple Neuro is [5:15] Ripple's goal for the next few decades is to continue to provide solutions in the neuroscience space that can inform therapies for patients with neurological disorders [8:15] Ripple plans on doing clinical trials with prosthetic limbs over the next five years, after which the product is projected to receive market clearance [10:20] Ripple is producing both medical devices and components that other vendors can use in their medical devices, and part of the company's big announcement is that the company is restructuring itself to accommodate both of these markets [13:00] Ripple is not about developing solely one type of technology, but rather a continuous pipeline of technologies [16:30] The company looks for people who are passionate about long-term sustainability of the company, and people who are committed to the idea of having an impact on the world [19:00] Ripple has always had an expertise in sensing in stimulation, which is what some other companies are starting to work with [21:45] An impact goal for the next 10 years is to have 10,000 devices implanted in humans

Dr. Kevin Tracey is the president and CEO of the Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research. He is very well-known and well-cited for his seminal research within the field of neuromodulation, particularly as it relates to the immune response. In this episode, he discusses the current progress being made in the field of bioelectronic medicine, as well as how it compares to pharmaceutical treatments. Top three takeaways: The power in bioelectronic medicine is in the fact that rather than sending out a drug into the body and hoping it affects the target area, the target is identified and the device is designed and manufactured around it. Since testing in mice is an important precursor to human clinical trials, the field of bioelectronic medicine has been greatly slowed down by the lack of available tools for device implantation in mice. The field of bioelectronic medicine is in its early stages with regard to clinical testing; as such, its efficacy relative to pharmaceutical approaches is not yet fully understood. [0:00] Ladan introduces the episode and the guest, Dr. Kevin Tracey [2:00] Tracey discusses his background in research in bioelectronic medicine and neuromodulation in the immune system [6:00] What's so powerful about bioelectronic medicine is that it's scalable, replicable, and generates testable hypotheses. The device is designed around the target. [9:00] Side effects are the main limiting factor for drugs. With devices, the side effects are easier to understand and manage since a specific nerve and region are targeted, as opposed to drugs, which have a systemic effect. [12:30] Tracey co-founded SetPoint Medical with Dr. Shaw Warren, and it was founded to establish a mechanism to test the idea of harnessing the inflammatory reflex in human clinical trials [16:45] When stimulating the vagus nerve, several fibers are stimulated. Despite this, controlling the amount of current delivered through stimulation can control which organs (such as the heart or spleen) are affected. [20:30] The field of bioelectronic medicine has been slowed down by the absence of available tools that can be used for mice [23:45] Bioelectronic medicine is still in its early stages and is new in terms of clinical testing and adoption; at this point, we don't fully know its efficacy relative to pharmaceuticals [27:00] One study found that patients who have not responded to drugs or to vagus nerve stimulation did respond when a combination of the two was used [31:00] The advantage of targeting close to the organ is more localized stimulation, but the disadvantage is that some of these organs are difficult to access [34:00] The mission of the Feinstein Institute for Bioelectronic Medicine is to produce the necessary knowledge in bioelectronic medicine to cure disease [37:00] The new labs the Feinstein Institute is building are investigating the neural control of drug targets, neural information processing, sensory and motor signals to nerves, and previously unrecognized neurons that control aspects of the immune response

Dr. Phil Kennedy is a neurologist who has implanted patients with a neural recording device that can detect firing patterns attributed to certain words. This device can help locked-in patients communicate with others by detecting these firing patterns and outputting words on a computer. He has also had himself implanted with this same device. In this episode, Dr. Kennedy discusses how the device works, and his experience being implanted with his own device. Top three takeaways: Silent speech works by recording neural firing patterns that occur when a patient thinks about a word many times. Once these patterns are stored, the patient can communicate this word by thinking about it and outputting it onto a computer. Speech makes you more human; speech allows you to contact and connect with people. It is therefore important that implant centers are available worldwide so that locked-in patients everywhere have access to this technology to be able to communicate. Neurosurgery is not dangerous if the surgeon knows what he's doing. We think of the brain as more precious, but brain surgery is not much more dangerous than cosmetic surgery. [0:00] Ladan introduces the episode and the guest, Phil Kennedy, who explains how he decided to be implanted [3:45] Kennedy explains the procedure he underwent in Belize and how and where the electrodes were implanted [6:00] Kennedy explains how since the incision wouldn't fully close, the electronics eventually had to be removed [9:20] In neural recording, slow-firing units should not be ignored, as they may contribute substantially to the accuracy of the signal [11:45] Silent speech can be obtained by giving a patient a word to think about several times and recording the firing patterns that happen [15:00] Obtaining more firing units can be used to distinguish the firing patterns brought on by similar sounding words [19:00] More units are not entirely necessary for a prosthetic; rather, conditioning the units already obtained may be more effective [21:30] Without resolution in the recorded signal, true signal from each unique firing patterns is difficult to obtain. Garbage in, garbage out. [24:00] Kennedy explains how he has the idea of opening up implant centers around the world to help more locked-in patients communicate [27:20] Neurosurgery is not dangerous if the surgeon knows what he's doing [30:15] Kennedy explains why the signals obtained through electrodes last over time; features of the electrode prevent scarring at the site of implantation and collect accurate signals over time [33:45] You don't need a high channel count for a prosthetic; you need stable signals over time that can be used as often as needed [37:00] Ladan gives an outro for the episode and discusses a book and documentary coming out called Unlocking Eric, which documents one of Dr. Kennedy's patients

Dr. Kika Tuff is an ecologist and science communicator who founded Impact Media Lab, an organization which consists of scientists who seek to change the world through powerful storytelling. In this episode, she discusses the power of making compelling stories to spread scientific knowledge and gain a greater audience as a scientist. Top three takeaways: Telling your story effectively can improve your credibility, and can result in an increased following, such as more students and funders for your research Science not communicated is science not done – people have to be able to fully understand what it is you are doing, and scientists have to know your research so that it can be replicated and verified or falsified It is important for a scientist to be realistic of the fact that their field may be very niched and esoteric, but gathering even a small following is very beneficial [0:00] Ladan introduces the episode and the guest, Kika Tuff [2:30] Tuff explains her background and the experiences that inspired her to create Impact Media Lab [5:15] Tuff explains how stories and characters inspire people more than data, and how it can be very important when trying to inform policy and behavior [8:00] A lot of times when communicating with scientists, Tuff has realized that extra time must be taken for communication and that initially, a smaller select audience must be chosen for the stories being told [11:30] Being able to tell your story well can help improve your credibility; return on investment of good communication can be attracting more students, listeners, funders, etc. [14:30] Important part of grant writing is being able to effectively pitch your ideas, and using compelling story writing can get ideas across better [18:30] Tuff explains how Impact Media Lab will put together pitches for broader impact for free since the company has a template that is used [20:45] Science not communicated is science not done [23:30] Often times scientists get caught up in things like getting grants and publications that it can be hard to step back and ask why they do the work they do and why it fascinates them [26:45] It is important to evaluate what a lab does and how it is unique in creating a scientist's "brand" [29:20] Brand, website, short film, and social media are important steps in building an audience [33:00] When branding, one must be realistic about the fact that a lot of scientific fields are very niched, but if one has only 1,000 true fans, that is successful [35:30] Believing in the power of your work, it can be really easy to get disappointed. Even if you feel that what you do doesn't matter, there is always something compelling that attracted you to the questions you're trying to answer. [37:30] Ladan provides additional thoughts on his conversation with Dr. Tuff [39:00] Neural Implant Media is open to provide media services for scientists, organizations, and conferences