Episode description
In this episode, Ladan interviews Ritesh Kumar, a poster presenter at the SfN 2019 conference whose research involves restoring bladder functions. Ritesh is a researcher working under Dr. Robert Gaunt in the Rehab Neural Engineering Labs at the University of Pittsburgh.
Top three takeaways:
- The device being investigated and tested is designed to conform to changes in volume in the bladder.
- The electrodes embedded in the device are aligned with specific functional regions of the bladder to generate optimum functionality.
- Isovolumetric evaluations of the bladder provide the basis for future material designs.
[0:00] Ladan introduces the episode and Ritesh Kumar, the guest being interviewed; Ritesh gives some background on the research he is undertaking involving restoring bladder functions
[3:45] The polymer used in the material being discussed is very stretchable to conform to volume changes of the bladder
[5:20] The material is like a sock of electrodes, which is made of silicone that can conform to the shape of the bladder
[7:00] Ritesh mentions he is interested more in science and design rather than patenting the technology
[9:00] The studies the guest is conducting are at isovolumetric conditions, which are being done to make the basis for the design moving forward
[10:30] Ritesh discusses future directions for his research
Note: One additional name for acknowledgement is Maria Jantz