Jan 27, 2020

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:

1. The device being investigated and tested is designed to conform to changes in volume in the bladder.
2. The electrodes embedded in the device are aligned with specific functional regions of the bladder to generate optimum functionality.
3. 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