The World-Changing Science of Organ Manufacturing w/ Dean Kamen | EP #100
Added: May 10, 2024
In this podcast episode, Dean Kamen, a renowned inventor and entrepreneur, discusses various advancements in science and manufacturing. He highlights the urgent need for advancements in the field of cells, tissues, and organs, particularly in the context of organ transplants. Kamen emphasizes the long and terrifying wait for organ transplants, especially for children, and stresses the need to move away from relying on people to die in order to save others.Key takeaways
The urgent need for advancements in the field of cells, tissues, and organs highlights the importance of regenerative manufacturing in addressing the shortage of organ transplants, especially for children.
Dean Kamen's inventions, such as the iBOT and the closed-loop insulin pump, demonstrate the potential of technology to significantly improve the quality of life for individuals with mobility issues and diabetes.
The transformation of old mill buildings into Regen Valley represents a visionary step towards creating a hub for regenerative manufacturing, emphasizing the importance of infrastructure in mass-producing medical advancements.
The development of Daisy, a new method for vaccine delivery using micro-needles, showcases the innovation in pharmaceutical delivery methods that could lead to higher efficacy with lower doses.
First and First Global illustrate the power of global collaboration and education in STEM, highlighting the importance of mentorship, scholarships, and hands-on learning experiences in fostering a technically competent global population.
Revolutionizing Mobility and Healthcare
One of the key inventions Kamen discusses is the iBOT, a wheelchair alternative that simulates human balance and provides individuals with mobility, dignity, and independence. He shares the challenges he faced in getting the iBOT approved by the FDA, showcasing its reliability and safety through millions of hours of operation in the field. He also mentions the recent approval of a closed-loop insulin pump by the FDA, which eliminates the need for finger pricks and provides more stable glucose control for diabetics.
Revolutionizing Organ Manufacturing Technology
Kamen introduces the Advanced Regenerative Manufacturing Institute (ARMI), funded by the government, which aims to make it practical to manufacture high-quality, reasonably-priced cells, tissues, and organs. He discusses the collaboration with organizations like JDRF to standardize the production of eyelet cells for diabetes research. He also mentions the development of miniature organs, such as kidneys and hearts, for transplantation, including pediatric-sized hearts to address the shortage of organs for children.
Transforming Old Mill Buildings into Regen Valley
The vision for ARMI in the future involves transforming old mill buildings in New Hampshire into a hub for regenerative manufacturing, known as Regen Valley. Kamen envisions this area becoming the epicenter of an industry focused on manufacturing human cells, tissues, and organs. He emphasizes the importance of creating an infrastructure that can mass-produce these medical advancements to meet the growing demand for organ transplants.
Exciting Progress in Regenerative Manufacturing
Kamen shares his excitement about the progress made by ARMI, including the approval of a new grant and the development of bioreactors capable of producing billions of eyelet cells per day. He also discusses the potential impact of regenerative manufacturing on addressing medical conditions like macular degeneration and the need for standardized organ production to improve transplant outcomes.
Revolutionizing Vaccine Delivery with Daisy
The second project, named Daisy, focuses on a new method of vaccine delivery. Kamen explains that traditional vaccine delivery methods may not be as effective as delivering vaccines intradermally into the skin. By using semiconductor technology to create micro-needles on a wafer, Daisy aims to deliver vaccines directly into the skin, resulting in higher efficacy with lower doses. Kamen demonstrates how Daisy works by showing a video of individuals using the device to deliver a saline solution intradermally. The project has garnered interest from pharmaceutical companies for potential applications beyond vaccines.
Supporting First
The third project is related to First, an organization that Kamen is deeply passionate about. He believes that developing technical competence across the global population is crucial for staying ahead of potential catastrophes.
Over the years, First has grown significantly, with events held in 182 cities and 82,000 schools participating. The organization has provided $80 million in scholarships and has garnered support from Fortune 500 tech companies. Kamen emphasizes the importance of mentors in the program, highlighting the need for resources and support to continue expanding First's reach and impact.
The Power of Global Collaboration
Kamen also discusses the creation of First Global, a sister organization aimed at bringing together teams from every country in the world. The goal is to promote collaboration and unity among young people on a global scale. He shares a touching story about Team Hope, a group of students from a Syrian refugee camp who participated in the event, symbolizing the power of hope and unity in the face of adversity.
The Transformative Power of First Global
Kamen recounts the challenges faced during the First Global event in Singapore, which coincided with escalating tensions in the region. Despite the turmoil, the event brought together teams from 191 countries, all signing the Declaration of Interdependence and the Bill of Responsibilities. This act of unity and collaboration amidst global unrest showcases the transformative power of First Global in fostering peace and understanding.
Impact of First in Schools
The podcast also touches on the impact of First in schools, with Kamen highlighting the introduction of affordable robot kits for classrooms. He emphasizes the need for hands-on learning experiences that engage students in STEM subjects and teamwork. His vision is to make First a standardized national sport in schools, offering a cost-effective and impactful alternative to traditional sports.
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