Episodes

  • Engineering Mental Health

    Engineering Mental Health
    Aug 27 2024

    This episode features Paradromics CEO Matt Angle in a compelling discussion with Amit Etkin, Founder and CEO of Alto Neuroscience; Maryam Shanechi, Dean's Professor in Electrical and Computer Engineering, Neuroscience, Computer Science, and Biomedical Engineering at USC; and Prasad Shirvalkar, Associate Professor of Neurological Surgery, Neurology and Anesthesia at UC San Francisco. They delve into the intersection of neurotechnology and psychiatry, discussing innovative approaches to treating mental health disorders, the potential of machine learning models, and the challenges associated with obtaining and analyzing brain data. The discussion emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and the promising future of personalized therapies for psychiatric conditions. They also address the limitations of current diagnostic tools like the DSM and the need for scalable, real-world solutions.

    Guest Quote:

    “There's artificial intelligence and there's actual intelligence. And that actual intelligence, when it comes to analyzing data, I feel goes a really, really long way. True subject matter expertise.” - Amit Etkin

    Timestamps:

    *(00:00) Welcome to Neurotech Pub

    *(00:45) Icebreaker: Unpopular Beliefs

    *(05:36) Non-surgical brain activity recording and diagnostics

    *(13:32) Understanding pain: Subjective reports vs. physical representations

    *(16:33) Rethinking psychiatry and DSM alignment

    *(21:07) Determining brain data needs and tool validation

    *(26:47) The need for explainability in AI algorithms

    *(35:49) Timescales in mental health interventions

    *(41:22) Advice for aspiring neurotech researchers

    *(46:25) Closing Thoughts

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    51 mins
  • Where There's Blood, There's Signal

    Where There's Blood, There's Signal
    Jul 30 2024

    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

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    1 hr and 49 mins
  • Now That’s a Lot of Power

    Now That’s a Lot of Power
    Jul 2 2024

    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 Robinson

    Show 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 Investors

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    1 hr and 14 mins
  • Your Future Self Will Thank You | Connectomics Part II

    Your Future Self Will Thank You | Connectomics Part II
    Mar 22 2023
    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 GoogleIn 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
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    1 hr and 1 min
  • We're in Heated Agreement Over Here | Connectomics Part I

    We're in Heated Agreement Over Here | Connectomics Part I
    Mar 14 2023
    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 NectomeAs 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
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    49 mins
  • Neuro Mapping & Napping

    Neuro Mapping & Napping
    Aug 25 2022
    Welcome back to Neurotech Pub! In this episode we’re talking about sleep–why we sleep, how sleep works on a neurophysiological level, and some of the emerging sleep technologies that are about to revolutionize this essential neural activity. Our guests are Amy Kruse, PhD, General Partner at Prime Movers Lab, Ram Gurumoorthy, PhD, Founder and CTO of Stimscience & Somnee, and Luis de Lecea, PhD, Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Stanford University School of Medicine. This episode also features a video introduction to sleep stages by Paradromics Intern Zoe Lalji. This is essential viewing if you’re unfamiliar with the stages of sleep and want to follow along later in the episode. Cheers!Show Notes: 00:00 | Episode intro with Matt Angle and Amy Kruse1:07 | StimScience in Fast Company5:05 | Learned Motor Patterns Are Replayed in Human Motor Cortex during Sleep6:43 | Connect with Prime Movers Lab7:01 | PML on Medium7:45 | Introduction to Sleep StagesReferences: Stages of Sleep Overview REM vs Non-REM SleepSleep WalkingBenefits of REM SleepConsequences of low REM sleepImportance of Deep SleepCheck out Zoe’s nonprofit organization, ALS Heroes, and her Ted Talk12:24 | Pulling all-nighters12:50 | Amy Kruse, PhD13:00 | Ram Gurumoorthy, PhD13:07 | Stimscience, now Somnee13:30 | Luis de Lecea, PhD18:26 | Gordon Rule, PhD18:40 | Knights of the Old Republic II: The Sith Lords (2004)19:50 | Why do we sleep?20:26 | Sleep drives metabolite clearance from the adult brain20:35 | Sleep & DNA Repair22:13 | Neural Activity can cause DNA damage23:22 | Jerry Seigal24:26 | DARPA Sleep Research24:55 | Fur seals and sleep25:08 | How do Whales and Dolphins Sleep Without Drowning?25:54 | Putting Humans in Stasis Is the Best Way of Getting Us to Mars27:36 | Sleep and Mortality28:09 | The Sleeping Brain: Harnessing the Power of the Glymphatic System through Lifestyle Choices28:27 | Giulio Tononi, MD, PhD28:45 | Sleep, Memory, and Plasticity28:52 | Sleep Cognition and Memory29:00 | Sleeping up and down the phylogenetic tree29:05 | Actually...worms do sleep29:20 | Decoding sleep29:36 | Fruit flies and their mini sleeps29:44 | Mapping sleep in the brain30:35 | Hypocretin-positive neurons31:17 | Clearly Matt slept through his midterm... again31:57 | The hypocretins/orexins: integrators of multiple physiological functions32:05 | Stress-sleep interactions33:30 | The Science of Narcolepsy35:08 | Equivalence of sleep deprivation and intoxication | Additional reference36:21 | Sleep Pressure: Homeostatic Sleep Drive 40:38 | EEG Visualization of electrodermal activity during sleep44:08 | Circuitry of Sleep Stages45:00 | Regional slow waves and spindles in human sleep | Local sleep in awake rats48:00 | Emerging Sleep Technologies1:00:56 | Hypothalamus and SleepWant More?Follow Neurotech Pub on TwitterFollow Paradromics on Twitter, LinkedIn, and InstagramFollow Matt on LinkedIn and Twitter
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    1 hr and 6 mins
  • BCI Pioneers Part II

    BCI Pioneers Part II
    Jul 12 2022
    The Panel: Jan Scheuermann is an author and public speaker, and self-styled “professional lab rat.” She has spoken at DARPA, the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory, and the National Convention of the ALS Association about her experience as a BCI trial participant at UPitt. She is the author of a fictional mystery novel, Sharp as a Cucumber, available on Amazon. You can find out more about Jan and book her for public speaking events on her website or connect with her on LinkedIn. Ian Burkhart is the President of the Ian Burkhart Foundation, which provides equipment not typically covered by insurance that improves independence for those with spinal cord injuries. He is also the Vice President of the North American Spinal Cord Injury Consortium, an advocacy organization that brings individuals with lived experience together with researchers to improve research, care, cure, and policy. In addition, Ian consults on medical device development and user interaction. Ian’s latest project is the BCI Pioneers Coalition, a platform to connect BCI users, researchers, industry, and other stakeholder groups to discuss the future of Brain Computer Interfaces. You can visit him on his website or connect with him on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram. Nathan Copeland is a neurotechnology consultant, speaker, and digital artist. He has spoken at numerous conventions around the world about his experiences in the lab and has been featured in many prominent publications including, but not limited to, Wired, MIT Tech Review, NPR, Fortune, and the Atlantic. He is the creator of the first BCI NFTs, available on OpenSea. You can connect with Nathan on Instagram, Twitter, and Linkedin. 00:00 | Intro0:14 | Neurotech Pub Episode 13: BCI Pioneers Part I0:47 | Neurotech Pub Episode 10: Business Models in Neurotech1:30 | BCI & Identity1:30 | New Yorker - Do Brain Implants Change Your Identity?2:09 | The Utah Array (Blackrock Neurotech)16:05 | Learn more about Hector in Part 117:14 | Talking Form Factors18:36 | CerePlex System22:36 | Support Systems in BCI Adoption38:35 | Get in Touch38:54 | The Ian Burkhart Foundation39:13 | Book Ian as a speaker39:25 | North American Spinal Cord Injury Consortium (NASCIC)40:04 | Where to find Ian40:19 | Contact Nathan40:25 | Nathan on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter40:32 | Nathan's NFTs on OpenSeaLinks to Jan’s lab photos and how to get in touch can be found hereWant More?Follow Paradromics on Twitter, LinkedIn, and InstagramFollow Blackrock Neurotech on Twitter, LinkedIn, and InstagramFollow Taryn on LinkedIn, Instagram, and TwitterFollow Matt on LinkedIn and Twitter
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    44 mins
  • BCI Pioneers Part I

    BCI Pioneers Part I
    Jun 16 2022
    In this very special two part series in collaboration with Blackrock Neurotech, Paradromics CEO Matt Angle and Blackrock Creative Director Taryn Southern co-host a discussion with BCI research pioneers Jan Scheuermann, Ian Burkhart, and Nathan Copeland. In part one, we discuss their personal journeys to becoming BCI pioneers, implant experiences with the Utah Array, their time in the lab, and some of their current projects. Learn more about Jan, Ian, and Nathan below and stay tuned for part two, coming in July 2022! The Panel: Jan Scheuermann is an author and public speaker, and self-styled “professional lab rat.” She has spoken at DARPA, the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory, and the National Convention of the ALS Association about her experience as a BCI trial participant at UPitt. She is the author of a fictional mystery novel, Sharp as a Cucumber, available on Amazon. You can find out more about Jan and book her for public speaking events on her website or connect with her on LinkedIn. Ian Burkhart is the President of the Ian Burkhart Foundation, which provides equipment not typically covered by insurance that improves independence for those with spinal cord injuries. He is also the Vice President of the North American Spinal Cord Injury Consortium, an advocacy organization that brings individuals with lived experience together with researchers to improve research, care, cure, and policy. In addition, Ian consults on medical device development and user interaction. Ian’s latest project is the BCI Pioneers Coalition, a platform to connect BCI users, researchers, industry, and other stakeholder groups to discuss the future of Brain Computer Interfaces. You can visit him on his website or connect with him on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram. Nathan Copeland is a neurotechnology consultant, speaker, and digital artist. He has spoken at numerous conventions around the world about his experiences in the lab and has been featured in many prominent publications including, but not limited to, Wired, MIT Tech Review, NPR, Fortune, and the Atlantic. He is the creator of the first BCI NFTs, available on OpenSea. You can connect with Nathan on Instagram, Twitter, and Linkedin. 00:00 | Intro6:10 | Who came first?7:07 | Jan Scheuermann7:18 | Tim Hemmes & the UPitt/UPMC Team8:05 | New Yorker profile of Jan and the UPitt team8:55 | View Jan’s photos from the lab10:10 | Nathan Copeland13:00 | Parietal Cortex13:22 | Saccade Movements14:12 | The Pioneer Experience16:04 | Neuro Life Study | Additional Reference | Interview with Ian | Archives of PMR18:15 | Mirror Therapy23:50 | Jan in the Pilot Seat25:07 | Ian's Experience in the Car Simulator25:53| Thinking About Thinking31:24 | Jan's novel, Sharp as a Cucumber37:37 | View Jan’s photos from the lab38:04 | Andy Schwartz38:45 | Nathan's NFTs43:22 | Nathan's Instagram45:03 | 15 Minutes of Fame45:12 | A Presidential Greeting45:45 | Jan on 60 Minutes45:54 | Jan in SciAM46:00 | Book Jan as a keynote speaker46:32 | SfN47:05 | Investment in BCI47:17 | The Ian Burkhart FoundationWant More?Follow Paradromics on Twitter, LinkedIn, and InstagramFollow Blackrock Neurotech on Twitter, LinkedIn, and InstagramFollow Taryn on LinkedIn, Instagram, and TwitterFollow Matt on LinkedIn and Twitter
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    49 mins