Dr Melanie Ecker on conformal soft neural electrodes in the gut-brain axis
Neural Implant podcast - the people behind Brain-Machine Interface revolutions
Release Date: 07/18/2022
Neural Implant podcast - the people behind Brain-Machine Interface revolutions
In this episode, we sit down with , Chief Business Officer of , to explore a groundbreaking approach to treating obstructive sleep apnea. Lunosa is developing a self-expanding, injectable neurostimulator that aims to replace invasive facial surgeries with a minimally invasive, high-impact solution — tapping into a $10 billion market. Chad also reflects on his time at , a pioneering neuromodulation company that saw both innovation and controversy. He shares insights from testifying against Stimwave’s former CEO, lessons learned from the company’s collapse, and how those experiences shape...
info_outlineNeural Implant podcast - the people behind Brain-Machine Interface revolutions
In this special on-location episode recorded in Leuven, Belgium, we sit down with the co-founders and technical leaders of — (CEO), (CTO), and (CSO). The team shares their journey developing a high-density, intracortical visual prosthesis aimed at restoring vision for the blind. From developing reliable insertion technology to achieving long-term biocompatibility in nonhuman primate models, ReVision Implant is at the forefront of neurotech innovation. Tune in to hear about their challenges, breakthroughs, and what’s next in the race to cure blindness through brain stimulation. This...
info_outlineNeural Implant podcast - the people behind Brain-Machine Interface revolutions
In this episode, we speak with , CEO and co-founder of , a contract research organization helping Medtech and Biopharma startups slash months off their clinical timelines. With a focus on Latin America, Bioaccess enables early feasibility and first-in-human trials to be conducted faster, more affordably, and with high-quality data suitable for FDA and EU submissions. Julio shares how their global site network—built over 20 years—helps startups navigate regulatory hurdles, reduce costs, and de-risk innovation, all while improving patient lives in emerging markets. This episode is sponsored...
info_outlineNeural Implant podcast - the people behind Brain-Machine Interface revolutions
In this episode of the Neural Implant Podcast, we’re joined by , CEO of , a consulting firm that specializes in helping MedTech companies navigate the complex journey from concept to commercialization. With over two decades of experience across regulatory strategy, product development, and market access, Nathan shares invaluable insights into the critical steps for MedTech startups and established companies looking to succeed in today’s competitive landscape. Tune in as we discuss the unique challenges of the neurotech industry, strategic consulting for MedTech ventures, and how Nunex is...
info_outlineNeural Implant podcast - the people behind Brain-Machine Interface revolutions
In this episode of the Neural Implant Podcast, we welcome Dr. Eugene Daneshvar, founder of Black Swan Intellectual Property (BSIP), a boutique law firm specializing in intellectual property for neurotech and medtech innovations. With a background in biomedical engineering and law, Eugene has a unique perspective on protecting the cutting-edge ideas that drive the future of healthcare technology. After years of working at a larger firm, Eugene founded BSIP to provide more accessible, fair, and transparent pricing for IP services, moving away from the traditional hourly billing model. In...
info_outlineNeural Implant podcast - the people behind Brain-Machine Interface revolutions
In this episode, we welcome , a leading expert in ASIC design and professor at the , Germany. With a distinguished career in microelectronics, Dr. Ortmanns has contributed extensively to the development of integrated circuits for biomedical applications. He shares insights into the critical role of ASIC (Application-Specific Integrated Circuit) design in advancing neurotech implants, focusing on low-power, high-speed circuits that are essential for optimizing the performance and reliability of these devices. Dr. Ortmanns also discusses the challenges and future of circuit integration in...
info_outlineNeural Implant podcast - the people behind Brain-Machine Interface revolutions
In this episode of the Neural Implant Podcast, host Ladan Jiracek engages in an insightful dialogue with , founder and CEO of . The discussion covers Cognixion's pioneering augmented reality headset with EEG sensing, designed to enhance communication for individuals with speech and motor challenges. Andreas describes the journey from creating a speech augmentation device to developing a versatile platform, the Axon-R, which is now being utilized by health systems and researchers for various clinical applications. They explore the platform's form factor, capabilities, and its role in empowering...
info_outlineNeural Implant podcast - the people behind Brain-Machine Interface revolutions
In this episode of the Neural Implant Podcast, host Ladan speaks with , the Director of Education Outreach for the and a Research Assistant Professor in the Department of Neurological Surgery at the University of Miami. They discuss the Miami Project's work, particularly in spinal cord injury research and neuroprosthetics. Topics include clinical trials, combining therapies, regulatory challenges, and the importance of rehabilitation in conjunction with therapeutic technologies. 00:00 Introduction to the Neural Implant Podcast 00:16 Meet David McMillan: Director of Education...
info_outlineNeural Implant podcast - the people behind Brain-Machine Interface revolutions
I n this episode of the Neural Implant Podcast, host Ladan welcomes and from , an engineering services company based in Uruguay. They discuss their work in firmware, hardware, and software development for medical devices, emphasizing their specialization in wireless communications and test automation. They also explain the benefits of contract engineering, the challenges they face, and highlight an exciting project involving an injectable neurostimulator. The conversation covers the history of neurotechnology development in Uruguay, the process and dynamics of working with clients, and...
info_outlineNeural Implant podcast - the people behind Brain-Machine Interface revolutions
Today's guest is from Blackrock Microsystems. While we've featured Blackrock guests before, Stephen's appearance today is driven by his podcast, , where neurotech-inspired movies are reviewed and discussed. Top 3 Takeaways: "Our goal for the podcast isn't necessarily to be overly technical, requiring a neuroscience degree to understand. We're often deep in the subject matter and may get a bit jargony, but broadly, we aim to be accessible without pretending to be accomplished neuroscience researchers." “Due to the subject's nature, movies dealing with neuroscience themes...
info_outlineDr Melanie Ecker is a professor at the University of North Texas focusing on smart polymers for biomedical applications. She has worked on conformal and biocompatible neural devices to study the electrophysiology of the enteric nervous system.
***This podcast is sponsored by Ripple Neuro, check out their Neuroscience Research Tools here***
Top 3 Takeaways:
- The neurons in the gut-brain axis have not been investigated much by neural probes because of the softness of the intestines
- "The beauty about the intestines is in comparison to the brain, our probes, the electrodes don't need to be that tiny"
- The key to recruiting lots of good student volunteers is to bring donuts to group meetings!
1:00 Do you want to introduce yourself and talk about your work?
2:30 "What are shape memory polymers and how does it relate to neurotechnology?"
4:30 What were you working on in the Voit lab and what are you working on now?
9:30 Sponsorship by Ripple Neuro
10:30 Are traditional neural probes too stiff for the intestines?
17:15 What are the conductive components of the flexible interfaces?
19:15 Do these conductive polymers last long in the body or are they dissolved quickly?
20:45 "If you had unlimited funding, what would you do?"
23:15 Do you have any tips on how to recruit so many students?
24:30 "Is there anything that we didn't cover that you wanted to mention?"