Hopkins Medical Device Network proudly presents Ed Boyden, PhD of the MIT Media Lab

Optical Control Of Normal and Pathological Neural Circuit Computations

Ed Boyden leads the Media Lab’s Synthetic Neurobiology group, which is inventing and applying tools for the analysis and engineering of brain circuits, with the goal of developing new strategies for systematically repairing pathology, augmenting cognition, and revealing insights into the human condition. He is integrating nanotechnological, molecular, optical, and other technologies into interfaces for the precise control of neural circuit dynamics and function. Recently, he and his colleagues created a genetically targeted way to activate neurons with millisecond-timescale pulses of light, an innovation that has been widely adopted in neuroscience and neuroengineering, and resulted in his being named one of the “Top 35 Innovators Under the Age of 35″ by Technology Review.

Boyden received his PhD in neurosciences from Stanford University as a Hertz Fellow, where he discovered that the molecular mechanisms used to store a memory are determined by the content to be learned. He received an MEng in electrical engineering, and BS degrees in physics and electrical engineering, all from MIT. These pursuits, as well as an independent career as an inventor, have earned him many invited talks, awards, papers, and pending patents.

_______________________________________________

Please RSVP to hmdn@jhu.edu

Hopkins Medical Device Network proudly presents Stuart Harshbarger of the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory

Revolutionizing Prostheses:

Engineering on the Edge of Science

The Revolutionizing Prosthetics 2009 (RP2009) Program is an aggressive four year program funded by the Defense Advance Research Projects Agency (DARPA). The program seeks to develop a new generation of modular upper extremity limb systems, neural interface devices and clinical tools that will significantly improve patient acceptance and outcomes for upper extremity prosthetic users. The goal is to develop limbs that look, behave and are controlled more naturally than any prosthetic limbs to date. As a result, the team involves over 30 organizations and spans a full range of disciplines from engineering, scientific research, medicine and rehabilitation.

Stuart D. Harshbarger is a member of the Principal Professional Staff at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory where he is currently the Program Manager and Systems Integrator for the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) sponsored Revolutionizing Prosthetics 2009 Program. Stuart holds a BSEE from West Virginia Institute of Technology (1985), a MSEE from the US Naval Postgraduate School (1990), and an Advanced Certificate in Post Master’s Studies in Applied Biomedical Engineering from the Johns Hopkins University (2004). Stuart’s research interests and project thrusts include development of highly integrated “smart” prosthetic and assistive technology systems to restore function, prevent injury, and improve quality of life for the warfighter, first responders, and the aging civilian population.

_______________________________________________

Please RSVP to hmdn@jhu.edu

Hopkins Medical Device Network is accepting applications for the 2009 Executive Board

Join us as we promote medical device development and entrepreneurship at Johns Hopkins University.
Applications are due by midnight on April 5th, 2009.  Email your completed application to hmdn@jhu.edu.

Find the application here: hmdn_2009application

Volume 1: Issue 18  03/30/09

Robot with Biological Brain

Kevin Warwick, of the University of Reading has developed a car with a brain. Although his goal is not to prevent accidents, he has shown that a set of neurons spontaneously made connections with each other and sensor electrodes to create a neural network for driving. Currently the robot uses only a sonar input, but it will soon be equipped with auditory inputs. State officials have not yet ruled if it will be prosecuted for drunk driving if accidentally sprayed with 70% ethanol.

Parkinson’s Deep Brain Stimulator Testing in Europe

Libra DBS has begun trials of their deep brain stimulator in Europe. Like a pacemaker, this internal device will have leads running and an internal battery to influence the body regulatory system with electricity. Unlike a pacemaker, however, this will have leads into the brain.

Zapped in the Shower

A patient in Denmark was shocked soon after receiving an implantable defibrillator. Physicians, at a loss for explanation, decided to bring in electricians to solve the problem. After returning to the patient’s house, they realized that faulty wiring for a washing machine had caused his defibrillator to be activated. Similar cases have occurred in Hong Kong, Germany, and likely the next season of House.

Find the videos of each presentation as well as the presentations here.