Garauv Sharma. Garauv won the 2016 BCI Award for real-time cortical control of functional wrist and finger movements in a human with quadriplegia. Gaurav currently works as a Senior Research Scientist at Battelle Memorial Institute in Ohio. Gaurav holds the lead role on the NeuroLife Program at Battelle where they created a chip that allows patients with paralysis to perform specific movements with their own thoughts using NeuroLife’s non-invasive, high-definition neuromuscular electrical stimulation. Top 3 Takeaways. * Multi-disciplinary backgrounds will help bring new ideas to traditional methods of studying the human brain. * Differences in functionality between the upper and lower limbs make it difficult to create a universal motion restoration technology. * In the near future, brain-computer interface (BCI) will be capable of enhancing brain plasticity and boost cognitive skills to help humans learn faster. Show Notes. * [0:50] Initial Spark in Neuroscience and Medicine coming from an Engineering background. * [4:38] Start at Battelle and the jump to working with the brain through Nanotechnology. * [5:24] Gaurav’s thoughts on the importance of a multi-disciplinary background when studying the brain. * [6:32] Gaurav details the mechanisms used in his research of Real Time Cortical Control that contributed to the success of his team at the BCI Awards. * [7:40] A walk through of the 3 components of the device used for patients with quadriplegia. * [9:01] Gaurav compares how technology use differs between the upper-half of the body versus the lower-half of the body. * [11:58] The role that plasticity played in BCI integration with Gaurav’s patients. * [14:00] How using BCI with plasticity goes beyond regaining lost function to potentially enhance cognitive skills. * [15:28] The future of FDA approval for implantable BCI devices. * [17:42] Nano-delivery of drugs to the brain and how BCI technology impacts the efficacy of pharmaceuticals. * [19:49] Favorite Neuroscience or Neuro-Technology related book. Selected Links. * Gaurav Sharma’s Professional Profile * Indwelling Neural Implants: Strategies for Contending with the In Vivo Environment * Breakdown of Brain Plasticity Related Podcasts. * Episode 001 – Dr. Michael Merzenich * Episode 002 – Jeff Hawkins * Episode 003 – Dr. Mikhail Lebedev Disclaimer: We actively write about the themes in which we invest: artificial intelligence, robotics, virtual reality, and augmented reality. From time to time, we will write about companies that are in our portfolio. Content on this site including opinions on specific themes in technology, market estimates, and estimates and commentary regarding publicly traded or private companies is not intended for use in making investment decisions. We hold no obligation to update any of our projections. We express no warranties about any estimates or opinions we make.