Neurotech Pub

This episode features Paradromics CEO Matt Angle in a compelling discussion with Sumner Norman, Co-founder & CEO at Forest Neurotech; Ryan Field,CEO at Kernel; and Mary Lou Jepsen, Founder and CEO of Openwater. They share their career influences, discuss the challenges of managing interdisciplinary teams, and explore the future of neuroimaging and brain-computer interfaces (BCIs). Delving into ultrasound and optical-based techniques, they highlight the transformative potential of non-invasive methods for diagnosing and treating brain conditions. Furthermore, they addresses regulatory hurdles, the evolution of focused research organizations, and offers valuable advice for early-career researchers on leveraging industry trends and fundamental research to drive technological advancements. Guest Quote:“And I think what we're trying to work on is the silicon hospital of the future with this capability, like the modern smartphone, that can reach everybody, regardless of income levels or borders.” - Mary Lou Jepsen Timestamps:*(00:00) Welcome to Neurotech Pub*(00:06) Meet the Guests*(02:48) Balancing Mentorship and Startup Demands*(05:36) Interdisciplinary Challenges in Neurotech*(07:11) Hardware Development and Efficiency*(18:12) Medical Device Development and Regulatory Challenges*(23:37) Technical Deep Dive: Optical and Acoustic Signatures*(24:00) Ultrasound in Brain-Computer Interfaces*(34:57) Near-Infrared Spectroscopy and Mental Health*(55:55) Understanding Stroke and Thrombectomy*(56:51) Innovations in Cancer Treatment and Blood Flow Analysis*(57:39) Challenges and Trials in Medical Technology*(58:42) Open Source Medical Technology and Global Collaboration*(58:59) The Evolution of Brain-Computer Interfaces*(01:02:42) Advancements in Ultrasound Technology*(01:03:39) The Role of MEMS and Silicon in Medical Devices*(01:09:29) The Importance of Fundamental Research*(01:14:48) The Future of Neurotechnology and Industry Trends*(01:17:58) Advice for Aspiring Researchers and Entrepreneurs*(01:29:41) Leadership and Transition in Tech Companies*(01:40:07) Focused Research Organizations and Their Impact*(01:46:08) Final Thoughts and Optimism for Neurotech Want More?Learn about Neurotech Pub on TwitterFollow Paradromics on Twitter, LinkedIn, and InstagramFollow Matt on LinkedIn and Twitter

This episode features Paradromics CEO Matt Angle in a compelling discussion with Grayson Zulauf, CEO of Resonant Link; Alex Yeh, CTO and VP of R&D at Neuspera Medical; and Jacob Robinson, Founder and CEO of Motif Neurotech. They explore the latest advancements in neurotechnology, focusing on wireless power transfer, implantable devices, and brain-computer interfaces (BCIs). The conversation highlights transformative innovations in treating mental health conditions like major depressive disorder, OCD, and ADHD with less invasive wireless devices, enhancing patient care and acceptance. Personal stories and insights on market expansion and patient-friendly treatments are shared, along with valuable advice for investors on the potential of neurotechnology in improving overall mental health and medical care.Guest Quote:“The message that I would want to send is, there is a future in which we look at neurotechnologies no differently than we look at cardiac pacemakers.These are life saving devices, in many cases less invasive than a device that goes in your heart. There's no reason why  anybody wouldn't want to feel better. To be healthier mentally and just live a better quality of life. So that's what we're trying to enable” - Jacob RobinsonShow Notes:*(00:00) Welcome to Neurotech Pub*(00:46) Meet the Guests*(02:45) Discussing Industry Competitors*(09:54) Wireless Power Transfer in Medical Devices*(16:38) Exploring Inductive and Magnetoelectric Power*(27:35) Ultrasound in real-world devices*(33:31) Patient Experience and Device Miniaturization*(36:24) Designing for Patient Comfort and Practicality*(38:20) Innovations in Power and Data Transmission*(39:32) Miniaturization and Its Impact*(41:12) Battery Technology in Medical Devices*(43:19) Future of Implantable Batteries*(45:16) Implanted Battery Companies Integer and Resonetics*(46:31) Intermittent Stimulation and Therapy*(49:28) Power Consumption in Future Implants*(59:52) Data Transmission and Compression*(01:05:42) Reflections on the Journey of Medical Innovation*(01:08:36) Final Thoughts and Messages to InvestorsWant More?Follow Neurotech Pub on TwitterFollow Paradromics on Twitter, LinkedIn, and InstagramFollow Matt on LinkedIn and Twitter

We’re back with Part II of our two-part series on Connectomics! In part one we speculated on the legal and ethical implications of emerging technologies in the connectomics field. In part two, we don our lab coats and take a deep dive into the latest research tools, from fixation protocols for the preservation of neural tissue, to multimodal imaging techniques, to the machine intelligence designed to interpret massive data sets and reconstruct the vast neural circuits that make up the connectome. Our guests are:  Kenneth Hayworth, PhD, President and Co-Founder of the Brain Preservation Foundation, Senior Scientist at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Janelia Farm Research Campus (JFRC) Robert McIntyre, CEO at Nectome Jeremy Maitin-Shepard, PhD, Software Engineer–Connectomics at Google In this episode, Ken and Robert from part one return to the pub, and we are also joined by Jeremy Maitin-Shepard, an engineer and researcher at Google, who shares insights into some of the machine intelligence modalities being used to decode previously uncharted neural networks. Check out Jeremy’s recent paper on BioRxiv, as well as his published work at Google. If you missed part one, you can listen and explore the show notes here. Cheers!Show Notes: 0:00 | Intro1:03 | Kenneth Hayworth, PhD1:12 | Robert McKintyre, CEO, Nectome1:17 | Jeremy Maitin-Shepard, PhD1:51 | Setting the record straight 3:09 | The nucleotide sequence of bacteriophage φX1744:22 | Frozen Zoo at San Diego Zoo12:01| Glutaraldehyde and reduction techniques for immunolabeling 17:39 | SWITCH Framework19:14 | Population Responses in V1 Encode Different Figures by Response Amplitude Enhanced mirror neuron network activity and effective connectivity during live interaction among female subjects Permeabilization-free en bloc immunohistochemistry for correlative microscopy 19:57 | Synaptic Signaling in Learning and Memory Structure and function of a neocortical synapse Engineering a memory with LTD and LTP Synapse-specific representation of the identity of overlapping memory engrams 20:28 | Ultrastructure of Dendritic SpinesStructure–stability–function relationships of dendritic spines 24:25 | Reconstructing the connectome 24:32 | Connectomics Research Team at Google 24:55 | Google x HHMI: Releasing the Drosophila Hemibrain Connectome 28:38 | Serial Block-Face Scanning Electron Microscopy 29:22 | Automated Serial Sections to Tape29:45 | Mapping connections in mouse neocortex30:59 | A connectome and analysis of the adult Drosophila central brain 32:14 | Expansion Microscopy34:37 | The future of connectomics 45:13 | Contribution of apical and basal dendrites to orientation encoding in mouse V1 L2/3 pyramidal neurons49:49 | Mice and rats achieve similar levels of performance in an adaptive decision-making task Want More?Follow Neurotech Pub on TwitterFollow Paradromics on Twitter, LinkedIn, and InstagramFollow Matt on LinkedIn and Twitter

Welcome back to Neurotech Pub! In this first installment of two episodes on Connectomics, host and Paradromics CEO Matt Angle kicks off a lively discussion on the rapidly accelerating research in the mapping, preservation, and reconstruction of the human connectome. We explore the ethical and legal ramifications of disruptive technology, and some of the unique challenges faced when driving innovation in emerging industries. Our guests are:  Nita Faraheny, JD, PhD, Everett Distinguished Professor of Law & Philosophy at Duke Law School, the Founding Director of Duke Science & Society, the Faculty Chair of the Duke MA in Bioethics & Science Policy, and principal investigator of SLAP Lab.  Kenneth Hayworth, PhD, President and Co-Founder of the Brain Preservation Foundation, Senior Scientist at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Janelia Farm Research Campus (JFRC) Robert McIntyre, CEO at Nectome As an exciting new development since the recording of this episode, Nita recently published a book, The Battle for Your Brain, which examines many topics in neuroethics, from Connectomics to Brain-Computer Interfaces. It is currently available on Amazon.Keep an eye out for part two in this series, which will take a deep dive into the latest technical and engineering innovations in the connectomics ecosystem. Coming soon!Please be advised that this episode contains a brief discussion of assisted suicide in a medical setting.Show Notes: 0:00 | Episode Intro 1:16 | Nita A. Farahany, JD, PhD1:21 | Kenneth Hayworth, PhD1:27 | Robert McKintyre, CEO, Nectome1:56 | Meeting of the minds 2:53 | Aldehyde-stabilized cryopreservation wins final phase of brain preservation prize3:56 | The Brain Preservation Foundation4:09 | Documentary series on the Brain Preservation Foundation5:21 | Letter of Support for Aldehyde Stabilized Cryopreservation (and ‘next steps’ caveats)5:51 | Nita's 2018 Neuroethics Ted Talk 5:54 | International Neuroethics Society6:25 | Connectomics & new paths in neuroscience 8:10 | Allen Institute for Brain Science8:47 | A connectome and analysis of the adult Drosophila central brain9:33 | A visual intro to synaptic imaging in connectomics10:28 | The structure of the nervous system of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans 11:16 | Mouse Connectome Project at CIC14:59 | Cryonics controversy 19:00 | Death, taxes, and synapses 20:51 | Uniform Law Commission21:08 | The Uniform Determination of Death Act24:25 | Watch Altered Carbon on Netflix25:49 | Understanding the “Loss of Chance” Doctrine 37:13 | Understanding Physician-Assisted Death, or ‘Death with Dignity’ 40:21 | Euthanasia in the Netherlands46:01 | Autonomy, Dignity, and Consent to Harm, Rutgers Law Review Want More?Follow Neurotech Pub on TwitterFollow Paradromics on Twitter, LinkedIn, and InstagramFollow Matt on LinkedIn and Twitter