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

This podcast's purpose is to bring together the field of neuroprosthetics / brain machine interfaces / brain implants in an understandable conversation about the current topics and breakthroughs. We hope to complement scientific papers on new neural research in an easy, digestable way. Innovators and professionals can share thoughts or ideas to facilitate 'idea sex' to make the field of brain implants a smaller and more personal space.

Andrew Cornwell Discusses The Importance of Translational Research 04/12/2021

Andrew Cornwell Discusses The Importance of Translational Research Andrew Cornwell is the Director of industrial and strategic collaborations for the . He is also Director of the VA Translational Education Mentoring Centre and Associate Director at . 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 . [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.” /episode/index/show/neuralimplant/id/18283652

Nick Halper Discusses Braingrade and His Transition From a Stable Job to an Early Stage Med-tech Startup in the Middle of a Pandemic. 04/05/2021

Nick Halper Discusses Braingrade and His Transition From a Stable Job to an Early Stage Med-tech Startup in the Middle of a Pandemic. Nick Halper is a cofounder of , 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 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, /episode/index/show/neuralimplant/id/18259907

Yael Hanein Discusses Working With Electrophysiological Tools 03/29/2021

Yael Hanein Discusses Working With Electrophysiological Tools Yael Haneun is a professor of Electrical Engineering at . Her research field is neuro-engineering, focusing on developing wearable electronic and bionic vision. She is also the VP of and has previously worked as a research associate at the . 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 /episode/index/show/neuralimplant/id/18498794

Thomas Stieglitz Discusses Material Choice in Implant Development 03/22/2021

Thomas Stieglitz Discusses Material Choice in Implant Development Thomas Stieglitz is a professor at the 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 . 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.” /episode/index/show/neuralimplant/id/18251378

Rob Spence Discusses Living as a Cyborg with a Camera Implant 03/15/2021

Rob Spence Discusses Living as a Cyborg with a Camera Implant 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” /episode/index/show/neuralimplant/id/18302597

Ryan Tanaka on Neura Pod, the Neuralink Youtube channel and podcast 01/25/2021

Matt Angle with an update from Paradromics and their new Neurotech Pub Podcast 01/11/2021

Dr. Rio Vetter and Dr. Alexis Paez Discuss the NeuroNexus Symposium 12/14/2020

Dr. Ben Paul Discusses How Neuroloom Develops an Effective Way to Stimulate Neurons 11/30/2020

Scott Kim Discusses How Neofect Technology is Assisting Stroke Victims 11/09/2020

Lloyd Diamond Discusses How Pixium Vision is Creating a Solution for Dry Age-Related Macular Degeneration 11/02/2020

Lloyd Diamond Discusses How Pixium Vision is Creating a Solution for Dry Age-Related Macular Degeneration Lloyd Diamond is the CEO of . 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. /episode/index/show/neuralimplant/id/16582778

Renee Ryan and Dr. Kate Rosenbluth Discuss How the Cala Trio Controls Tremors 10/26/2020

Iain McIntyre Discusses How the Humm Bioelectric Memory Patch Provides a Brain Boost 10/19/2020

Dr. Sangeeta Chavan Discusses the Fourth Annual Bioelectronic Medicine Summit 10/12/2020

Dr. Owen Phillips Discusses How BrainKey Develops 3-D MRI Visualizations 10/05/2020

Dr. Alfred Poor Discusses Current Events in Brain-Computer Interface Technology 09/28/2020

FDA approves IDE for take-home trial using the DEKA LUKE prosthetic arm and Utah Slant Array : Participants will be able to take home the dexterous bionic hand which they can feel in next phase of research SALT LAKE CITY, UT (September 22, 2020) — Blackrock Microsystems would like to congratulate the University of Utah Biomedical Engineering Department on receiving FDA approval to initiate their investigational device exemption (IDE) study for their next evolution of peripheral nerve studies using the Utah Slant Array (also known as USEA) under the HAPTIX program. The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) program from their Biological Technology Office (BTO) is pursuing key technologies to enable precision control of and sensory feedback from sensor-equipped upper-limb prosthetic devices. With FDA approval for further peripheral nerve research using the Slant Array, a take-home trial will begin investigating whether the University of Utah’s prosthetic arm system improves amputees’ performance of activities of daily living. At the core of these studies is the Slant Array, which is the peripheral nerve cousin to the Utah Array – the gold standard for human central nervous system recording since 2004 and stimulation since 2015. Until now, all human peripheral nerve studies using the Slant Array under the HAPTIX program have taken place in the lab using the DEKA LUKE Arm, a prosthetic device with multiple powered joints and sensors. The team has spent several years developing the technology that controls the motor control and sensory feedback delivered to the amputee through the Slant Array. It is their goal to make the control and feedback as realistic as possible. Previous work has shown that the Slant Array can create natural sensations, and the sensory feedback enhances interaction with the prosthesis in a meaningful manner. Loren Rieth, Ph.D., Associate Professor at the Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research and Adjunct Associate Professor of the Biomedical Engineering Department says, “This study would not have been possible without development helical leads, tip metal improvements, truly countless SEM images and characterization of truly countless arrays allowing the devices to perform well for up to 17 months with past participants.” He continues, “Ranging from substantially improved [Slant Arrays] that provide unprecedented biomimetic activation of cutaneous percepts and greatly increased long-term functionality, to [Blackrock Microsystems’] assistance with obtaining regulatory approval, these have been absolutely essential in advancing the field of neural prosthetics.” The Slant Array is the electrode interface array for peripheral nerve applications due to varying electrode lengths across the array, and the ability to utilize up to 300 individual electrodes (3 Slant Arrays) for these studies. The varying electrode length allows more selective stimulation and recording of fascicles with the nerve when compared to conventional cuff electrodes. The University of Utah team, led by Associate Professor Gregory Clark, mentions many broader applications of the Slant Array, “Experimental successes and regulatory approvals associated with HAPTIX may facilitate progress and approvals of Slant Arrays for other peripheral nervous system uses that are already being explored experimentally, such as for auditory nerve implants to provide improved hearing, motor nerve stimulation for reanimating paralyzed limbs after spinal cord injury or stroke, bladder control, or pain mitigation.” He further adds, “Because peripheral nerves innervate almost every body part and organ system, there are multiple opportunities to provide clinical benefits for a wide variety of disorders or diseases.” “The initial success the UofU has had in this field is precisely what government funds should support, it is crucial financial funding we need to translate an innovation technology such as this into a clinical application to benefit patients”, says Marcus Gerhardt, CEO of Blackrock Microsystems. The University of Utah Biomedical Engineering Team will begin their FDA-approved take-home phase of the research, testing how the prosthetic LUKE Arm with the Slant Array for sensory feedback functions in real world settings. The advancements of this research will benefit millions of people living with limb loss, as the HAPTIX program continues its mission of restoring function and feeling. Blackrock Microsystems, based in Salt Lake City, Utah, was founded in 2008 and is the world’s leading provider of technology in the neuroscience, neural engineering, and neural prosthetics space. The company’s technology is at the core of worldwide innovations in Brain-Machine Interfaces (BMI/BCI), implantable bionic technologies and epilepsy diagnostics. Most impactful implantations of the Utah Array have been in some tetraplegic individuals from University of Pittsburgh’s Nathan Copeland, who controlled a prosthetic arm to fist bump US President Barack Obama in 2016; Ohio State University’s Ian Burkhart who is learning to control an automobile, and CalTech’s Nancy Smith who is learning to play a virtual piano. Seemingly easy tasks, all have used the Utah Array to translate their thoughts into action to restore function /episode/index/show/neuralimplant/id/16162577

Jim Pearson, Dr. Julian Bailes, and Joseph Mark Discuss How Nico Neuro is Innovating Brain Surgery 09/21/2020

Jim Pearson, Dr. Julian Bailes, and Joseph Mark Discuss How Nico Neuro is Innovating Brain Surgery This week’s guests from 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. /episode/index/show/neuralimplant/id/15815564

Gordon Wilson Discusses How Rain Neuromorphics Recreates Neural Networks 09/14/2020

Dr. Ivan Gligorijević Discusses How mBrainTrain is Producing a Mobile EEG Device 09/07/2020

Jojo Platt Discusses the MSRI-EC Conference, NeuraLink, and Her Latest Projects 09/03/2020

Richard Hanbury Discusses How Sana Health’s Device Can Help Users Achieve Relaxation 08/31/2020

Dr. Jessica Robin Discusses How Voice Samplings Can Help Assess Disease Progression 08/26/2020

Brian Pepin Discusses How Rune Labs Acquires the Most Value Out of Data 08/24/2020

Arvind Gupta Discusses How IndieBio Turns Ideas Into Successful Companies 08/17/2020

Arvind Gupta Discusses How IndieBio Turns Ideas Into Successful Companies Arvind Gupta is the founder and venture advisor at , 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. /episode/index/show/neuralimplant/id/15421790

Dr. Stavros Zanos Discusses Directional Vagus Nerve Stimulation 08/10/2020

Dr. Stavros Zanos Discusses Directional Vagus Nerve Stimulation Dr. Stavros Zanos is an Assistant Professor at the . 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. /episode/index/show/neuralimplant/id/15264575

Dr. Patrick Ganzer Discusses Restoring Movement in a Quadriplegic Patient 08/03/2020

Dr. Patrick Ganzer Discusses Restoring Movement in a Quadriplegic Patient Dr. Patrick Ganzer is a Principal Research Scientist at . 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: , , /episode/index/show/neuralimplant/id/15229871

Kelly Roman Discusses How Fisher Wallace is Providing Safe Therapy for Mental Illnesses 07/27/2020

Kelly Roman Discusses How Fisher Wallace is Providing Safe Therapy for Mental Illnesses Kelly Roman is the cofounder and CEO of . 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 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. /episode/index/show/neuralimplant/id/15135932

Sarah Hill and Dr. Jeff Tarrant Discuss How Healium is a Drugless Solution to Mental Burnout 07/20/2020

Sarah Hill and Dr. Jeff Tarrant Discuss How Healium is a Drugless Solution to Mental Burnout Sarah Hill, CEO and Dr. Jeff Tarrant, Chief Science Officer, started 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. /episode/index/show/neuralimplant/id/15176765

Dr. Ryan Todd Discusses How Headversity Provides Resilience Training 07/15/2020

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

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