Texas Biomedical Device Center

04/29/2026

We have an amazing group of people, doing amazing things!

From left: Crystal Engineer BS’03, MS’05, PhD’08, Brendan Williams PhD’25 and Dr. Seth Hays discovered how a brief window for chemical reinforcement signals plays a critical role in shaping learning and memory in the brain. Training a dog to sit works best with a treat in hand. Similarly, le...

04/06/2026

In case you’re curious about the work we’ve been doing, here’s a new publication highlighting a novel closed-loop vagus nerve stimulation system designed to support stroke recovery.

Hays SA, Adehunoluwa EA, Epperson JD, Malley KM, Porter A, Gallaway HL, Swank C, Carrera ÁJ, Stevens C, Wigginton JG, et al. Closed-Loop Vagus Nerve Stimulation Delivered With a Miniaturized System Produces Lasting Recovery in Individuals With Chronic Stroke. Stroke. 2026;57:38–49.

https://www.ahajournals.org/do/10.1161/blog.20260401.290055/full/

03/23/2026

The Spring 2026 issue of The Spin includes articles on para pickleball, neurostimulation, cannabis, adaptive clothing, and much more!

TxBDC is proud to be featured, starting on page 20. This recognition highlights the impact of our work and the amazing community we serve every day. We’re grateful for the support and excited for what’s ahead!



Link to read:https://sci-bc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Spin-Spring-2026-Web-v2.pdf

08/18/2025

https://youtu.be/rcAyjg-oy84?si=6WHvHfFNCmwN_VrP

From Andrew Huberman:

In this episode, my guest is Dr. Michael Kilgard, PhD, a professor of neuroscience at the University of Texas at Dallas and a leading expert on neuroplasticity and learning across the lifespan. We discuss the need for alertness, effortful focus, post-learning reflection and sleep to induce neuroplasticity, and how dopamine, acetylcholine, serotonin and norepinephrine are each involved. He explains the behavioral steps for neuroplasticity, as well as vagal nerve stimulation (VNS) and other therapies for tinnitus, stroke, depression, PTSD and paralysis. This episode ought to be of use to anyone interested in understanding the modern science of brain rewiring and learning to improve cognitive or motor skills or treat sensory or motor disorders.

In this episode, my guest is Dr. Michael Kilgard, PhD, a professor of neuroscience at the University of Texas at Dallas and a leading expert on neuroplastici...

07/15/2025

In a first-of-its-kind clinical study, scientists at the University of Texas at Dallas and Baylor University Medical Center have shown that patients with treatment-resistant PTSD were symptom-free up to six months after completing traditional therapy paired with vagus nerve stimulation (VNS).

👉Read more in the full article: Vagus nerve stimulation provides long‑term benefits for PTSD patients in clinical study.

In a first-of-its-kind clinical study, scientists at the University of Texas at Dallas and Baylor University Medical Center have shown that patients with treatment-resistant PTSD were symptom-free up to six months after completing traditional therapy paired with vagus nerve stimulation (VNS).

07/03/2025

Dr. Jane Wigginton, chief medical officer at the Texas Biomedical Device Center who has decades of experience working in the emergency room, offers four tips on how to stay safe during Independence Day festivities. Click the link in the comments to learn more.

06/27/2025

TXBDC has developed a device that is 50x smaller than conventional nerve stimulators, has no battery, and reduces surgical time by ~50%.

The implant procedure experience of 49 participants across stroke, spinal cord injury, and PTSD indications is described in a new publication in Neurotherapeutics.

Read the full article here:

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1878747925001035

06/17/2025

“Tiny, zapping implant gives spinal cord injury survivors new hope”

Link to read more:

UT Dallas researchers paired rehab with vagus nerve stimulation to help people with spinal cord injuries regain arm and hand mobility.

06/12/2025

This is a great segment about the work our team is doing!

https://www.cbsnews.com/texas/news/utd-researchers-help-spinal-injury-patients-reclaim-lives/?fbclid=IwQ0xDSwK3A-lleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHk1Fd7OwShemSafCT_9sAUWiMPPsJxeARmcw1FbE4gJ85vXHXm6o2uGOWYuE_aem_dy53bOm2NDizYkhvlfvXkw

A groundbreaking implant developed at UTD is helping spinal injury patients regain movement and independence.

06/11/2025

HOW DOES VAGUS NERVE STIMULATION HELP REWIRE THE BRAIN?

In this short video, I [Dr. Jane Wigginton] explain how closed-loop vagus nerve stimulation (CLV) — the same technology behind our new Nature paper — mimics that moment when a toddler takes their first step: intentional, exciting, and full of hope.

CLV pairs movement with internal vagus nerve stimulation to trigger the release of brain activators like acetylcholine and norepinephrine, creating plasticity that helps rewire the nervous system.

This isn’t just theory — it’s real progress for people living with spinal cord injury, stroke, and PTSD. And it’s happening right here in Texas.

🎥 Filmed on my ranch, this is science grounded in reality. Please comment, or touch base with questions. Look forward to our conversations!

- Dr. Wigginton

HOW DOES VAGUS NERVE STIMULATION HELP REWIRE THE BRAIN? In this short video, I explain how closed-loop vagus nerve stimulation (CLV) — the same technology behind our new Nature paper — mimics that moment when a toddler takes their first step: intentional, exciting, and full of hope. CLV pairs mo...