Dynamic Neurotech Podcast

#25 Stanford-Trained Electrical Engineer “Reverse Engineering the Brain” - Dr. Louis Scheffer

Free Neurotech Newsletter: https://neurotechnologynews.beehiiv.com/subscribe [https://neurotechnologynews.beehiiv.com/subscribe] Key Moments: 0:00 Introduction 1:12 Journey from Electrical Engineering to Neuroscience 6:45 Initial Interest in Neuroscience  8:16 What is connectomics? 11:45 Parallels Between Microchip Design and Neuroscience  14:22 Probabilistic Reconstruction in Connectomics 19:46 Neurons Behaving Like Brain Regions In C. Elegans 22:17 Incorporating Biological Knowledge into Reconstruction Models and Techniques 25:47 Humans vs ML: Neuron Image Classification  28:05 Future of Connectomics 31:20 Expansion Microscopy 33:19 Genetic Barcoding 34:25 Synchrotrons and X-Rays 34:56 Combining Techniques  35:52 Connectomics: From Flies to Larvae Zebrafish - Optical Microscopy 37:19 Bee Neuroscience, Behavior, and Connectomics 40:03 Mouse Connectomics: Eventually Expansion and Exploration of More Complex Animal Brains 42:39 Any Possibility to Understand the Human Brain at this Level of Detail? 45:07 Tips for Breaking into Connectomics and Neuroscience  50:50 Why are gap junctions hard to see? 53:48 Connectomics Applied to Neuromorphic Computing 55:07 Alcoholic Fruit Flies: Connectomics Applied to Human Medicine 58:03 Conclusion and Contact Info Dr. Scheffer’s email: LouScheffer@gmail.com [LouScheffer@gmail.com] Recorded: 3/20/2024 Host: Robert Murcko

#24 Decoding Brain Signals, Neuromorphic Computing, MEMS w/ NeuroEngineer Dr. Akshay Ananthakrishnan

Free Neurotech Newsletter: https://neurotechnologynews.beehiiv.com/subscribe [https://neurotechnologynews.beehiiv.com/subscribe] Key Moments: 0:00 Introduction 4:36 Initial Interest in Neurotechnology 7:34 Exploring Diverse Fields of Interest: Neuromorphic Computing, Brain-Machine Interface, Heliostat Fields, Military Applications 10:51 MEMS 14:52 Bio-compatiblity and Bio-mimetic Systems in Neurotech 18:12 Neuromorphic Computing in Brain-Computer Interfaces 22:14 Integrating Device Engineering with Computing in Post-Doc 24:19 Challenges in Data Storage and Processing 27:19 MEMS Experience Transferring to Semi-Conductor Fabrication 28:38 Neuromorphic Computing Strategy for Neural Implants 30:41 Water-based Resistive Switches for Neuromorphic Connections 34:03 Challenges of Applying New Thought Process to Designing Architectures 36:51 Back to Neural Interfaces: Transitioning from Academia to Industry 39:32 Working in Industry: Translation, Engineering vs Business 41:59 What Expertise Does Neurotechnology Need More Of? 44:32 Brain Modeling: Companies vs Research Labs 45:56 Getting Involved in Neurotech - Advice for Students: Ask Questions, Don’t Rely on Jargon 49:21 Future of Neurotech: Next 20 Years 51:27 Book Recommendation: Outlive by Peter Attia 52:25 Book Recommendation: Thinking Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman, Build by Tony Fadell, CEO Excellence by Dewar et al. 53:45 Conclusion and Contact Info Dr. Akshay Ananthakrishnan’s LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/akshayy-91/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/akshayy-91/] Recorded: 5/9/2024 Hosts: Robert Murcko & Yuqing Wang

#23 Neurotech Startup Writing Algos to Track Biomarkers- Connectome's Dr Rufus Mitchell-Heggs

Free Neurotech Newsletter: https://neurotechnologynews.beehiiv.com/subscribe [https://neurotechnologynews.beehiiv.com/subscribe] Key Moments: 0:00 Introduction 3:02 Founding Story: Connectome Health 6:15 Inspiration for Company Name: Connectome Health 8:12 fNIRS Overview and Connectome’s Modality Agnostic Strategy 10:23 Hardware 11:26 Key Brain Metrics 13:16 Goal to Move into NeuroDiagnostics 13:59 Scientific Validity and Research Behind Connectome’s Metrics 15:27 Strategy to Eventually Enter Clinical Space 18:07 Connectome User Experience  25:44 Current State of Connectome Health: Pre-Launch, Fundraising  27:02 Long-Term Vision for Connectome Health 29:47 Advice for Students or Young Professionals Interested in Neurotech 30:56 The Future of Neurotechnology 33:41 Book/Media Recommendations: Huberman Lab, Being You (by Anil Seth), The Spike (by Mark Humphries), The Old Man and The Sea (by Ernest Hemingway) 35:40 Conclusion Connectome Health: https://www.connectome.health/ [https://www.connectome.health/] Recorded: 4/17/2025 Host: Robert Murcko

#21 Reach Neuro: Spinal Stimulation to Restore Movement In Upper Limb Post-Stroke - CEO Marc Powell

Free Neurotech Newsletter: https://neurotechnologynews.beehiiv.com/subscribe [https://neurotechnologynews.beehiiv.com/subscribe] Key Moments: 0:00 Introduction 3:17 Initial Interest in Neuroscience 4:50 Origin Story of Reach Neuro 6:16 Reach Neuro’s Avantis Platform 11:12 Reach Neuro Competitors 14:40 Navigating FDA Regulations and Breakthrough Device Designation 19:02 Research Tools and Product Development Feedback Loops 20:46 What is Next for Reach Neuro? 22:49 Algorithms and Spinal Anatomy 24:51 Breaking into Neurotech: Advice for Aspiring Professionals 26:28 The Jump from Academia to a Startup in Neurotech 28:14 The Future of Neurotechnology 30:56 Conclusion and Contact Information Recorded: 2/7/2024 Host: Robert Murcko

#20 Non-Invasive Neurostimulation for Sleep: Neurovalens CEO Jason McKeown

Free Neurotech Newsletter: https://neurotechnologynews.beehiiv.com/subscribe [https://neurotechnologynews.beehiiv.com/subscribe] Key Moments: 0:00 Introduction 3:23 Initial Interest in Neuroscience/Neurotechnology 5:10 Neurovalens: Background, Timeline, Origins 7:52 Clinical Trials: Insomnia, Anxiety, Obesity, PTSD, Diabetes  8:40 Neurostimulation: Type and Target 10:40 Exploring Various Treatment Types with Neurovalens 17:29 Patient Experience 20:40 Target Nerves and Brain Regions 22:56 Competitors and Differentiators 25:32 What is next for Neurovalens? 27:34 Commercialization 29:55 Patient Education 30:39 Refund if it doesn’t work 31:53 Wellness Device - Big Learnings and Initial Sales 33:40 Early Adopters and Crowdfunding: Indiegogo 35:44 Real World Data and FDA Guidance 37:17 FDA Involvement in Wellness Space 40:23 FDA Confusion Launching Wellness Sleep Product 43:01 Advice for Breaking into Neurotech: Students/Young Professionals 45:14 The Future of Neurotech (20 years) 47:47 Community/Collaboration/Contact Recorded: 2/8/2024 Host: Robert Murcko  Neurovalens: https://neurovalens.com/