CAKMAK
LAB
UNIVERSITY OF OTAGO
Te Whare Wānanga o Otāgo
RESEARCH FOCUS:
WEARABLE SYSTEMS
NON-INVASIVE
NEUROMODULATION
MOBILE HEALTH
APPLICATIONS
EDUCATION TECHNOLOGY
SELF-DIRECTED & DISTANCE LEARNING
NON-INVASIVE
NEUROMODULATION
WEARABLE
SYSTEMS
01 / NON-INVASIVE NEUROMODULATION
OF THE INTERNAL ORGAN'S BLOOD
FLOW
We had mapped and have been mapping the dermatomes, perforating artery zones and related internal organ arteries with different
skin stimulation frequency combinations to modulate the internal organ blood flow. We have a granted patent for the technique.
02 / NON-INVASIVE
NEUROMODULATION FOR PARKINSON'S DISEASE
To alleviate the PD symptoms
we are using a methodology in which we stimulate the autonomic and 3 peripheral nerves
simultaneously with one compact device.
We recently finished a Clinical trial by using our compact wearable device and one related patent is granted and two more patent applications are pending.
03 / NON-INVASIVE &
NON-CONTACT
NEUROMODULATION
A majority of the neurological diseases and symptoms holds a potential to be altered with pathophysiology specific cranial
nerve stimulation.
We utilised high-tech applications including human-interfaced AI, VR, Mid-air ultrasound for neuromodulation of human organ function and autonomic nervous system functioning.
01 / NON-INVASIVE NEUROMODULATION OF THE INTERNAL ORGAN'S BLOOD FLOW
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2024
Patent granted in US/EU/Japan
In collaboration with SWRI, Texas, US
02 / NON-INVASIVE NEUROMODULATION FOR PARKINSON'S
DISEASE
Auricular Electrostimulation for Parkinson's Disease
Clinical Trial paper 1
A novel Non-invasive Wearable Electrostimulator for Parkinson's Disease
Patents are granted in US/EU/Japan
Rapid Alleviation of Parkinson's Disease Motor Symptoms with Intrinsic Auricular Muscle Zone Stimulation.
Moderate to High Clinical Significance
is obtained with intrinsic Auricular muscle zone stimulation in 24 patients in a double-blinded,
placebo &sham controlled clinical trial
(Click the icon above for first clinical paper)
Illustration from Complete Anatomy
We utilised the first in human study for
auricular stimulation for Parkinson Disease
with intrinsic auricular muscle zone stimulation t
that comprises
- Facial nerve,
- Vagus nerve
- Trigeminal nerve,
- Glossopharyngeal nerve,
- Cervical spinal nerves,
- Sympathetic nerves and
- Intrinsic auricular muscles.
As stated in our Patent Application in 2013,
Granted in 2017.
1
US-based Spinout Company
Stoparkinson Healthcare Systems Inc.
Is established.
Click the icon above to reach
the company webpage
1
and PPN.
US REGISTERED CLINICAL TRIAL 2
We presented our second clinical trial results in World Parkinson's Congress, 2019 Kyoto. In this trial, we demonstrated the effect of the stimulator is faster than the PD medications and can be used in combination with
medications for better results in a motion-capture study. In addition, we demonstrated that the 20 minutes of the stimulation has prolonged effects after the stim turned off. Click on the video below for the animated results.
In 2020, we also published our results in Frontiers in Neurology.
Please click on the Frontiers icon to access the full text of the paper.
We performed our first meeting with FDA in 2020
Auricular Electrostimulation for Parkinson's Disease - Clinical Trial paper 2
US REGISTERED MULTI-CENTRIC CLINICAL TRIAL 3 IN US
Parkinsonism Relat Disord, 2024 Apr:121:105959. Doi: 10.1016/j.parkreldis.2023.105959.
Intrinsic auricular muscle zone stimulation for Parkinson disease: The EARSTIM-PD Phase II multi-center pilot study results
Click the image above
to access the paper
03 / NON-INVASIVE or NON-CONTACT NEUROMODULATION
OF CRANIAL AND PERIPHERAL NERVES
NON-INVASIVE
VESTIBULAR
SYSTEM STIMULATION
&
STRUCTURAL
PLASTICITY
Our paper on cortical structral plasiticity
by whirling meditation has been nominated
for spotlight awards. Click on the above image
to access the research paper.
First in human study, we showed that auricular vagus nerve stimulation improves olfactory function.
Click the image above to access our paper.
In both Alzheimer's and Parkinson Disease, olfactory bulb and olfactory system demonstrate dysfunction in addition to the disease-associated pathologies at the very early stages of these diseases. In this context, the stimulation of the olfactory system may have the potential of slowing down the disease progression or alleviating the olfactory dysfunction and associated symptoms.
IMPROVING AND SUPPRESSING THE OLFACTORY FUNCTIONS WITH NON-INVASIVE
NERVE STIMULATION
ANZCTR
Australian and New Zealand Registered Clinical Trial for Olfactory Nerve Modulation- MODOLF
Suppression of the appetite-related
olfactory activity may have potential
beneficial effects on eating disorders
and associated problems.
Wearable Stimulator for
direct stimulation of Olfactory Nerve
with transcutaneous electrodes
US Patent is filed In collaboration with SOTERIX Medical , NY
Neuromodulation with
Virtual Reality
We utilised VR as a Neuromodulation tool
to modulate
Vagal activity
We develop cutting-edge medical technology through applied anatomy research and innovation.
We are committed to improving the health and well-being of individuals around the globe.
Our projects utilize the latest advancements in technology
and applied anatomy,
enabling us to produce
high-quality results that address
the latest health concerns.
We utilised Machine Learning algorithms
and High Capacity Computer (HPC) for the
PREDICTION OF CYBERSICKNESS
in Virtual Reality Users.
New Zealand eScience Infrastructure (NESI)
has published
our recent research as a case study.
Click on the image on the right to access the NESI webpage and our article link.
PREVENTIVE
NEUROMODULATION with ML
Brain-Inspired Artificial Intelligence for prediction of susceptibility
NESI-High Capacity Computer for high-speed processing
Targeted non-invasive transcranial DCS to prevent upcoming episodes
Click image to access the paper
Non-Contact Mid-Air Ultrasonic Stimulation
of Ulnar and Median Nerves modulates
Autonomic Nervous System Activity in Humans
Click the icon above to access our research paper
Developing a Wearable Neuromodulation Device for Bronchoconstriction & Asthma : Ventimate
Click on the image above to reach Ventimate webpage and ANZCTR logo for the registered clinical trial
PARTNERS:
2026 NZ MedTech Grant
MedTech Core NZ Grants
Gastric NeuroModulation with
Non-invasive Vagal and Median Nerve Stimulation in Human
Click on the picture above to access our non-invasive gastric neuromodulation paper
in Neurogastroenterology & Motility Journal
Click on the Neuromodulation Journal Icon to access our non-invasive gastric neuromodulation of Dysrhythmias paper in Neuromodulation Journal
In collaboration with
UC Rose Centre for Stroke Recovery and Research
HRC EXPLORER GRANT
2026-27 CATALYST GRANT NEW ZEALAND - CHINA
VAGOME AURORA PROJECT:
Organotopic Mapping of the Auricular Vagal Nerve
for therapeutic applications
Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen
Shenzhen Advanced Technology Institute
University of Science and Technology, China
A/Prof.Yusuf Cakmak, Prof.Ming Zhang, Prof.Bi Guoqiang
01 Non-invasive & Non-contact systems for
Cardiovascular Disease Diagnosis & Monitoring
MOBILE HEALTH
APPLICATIONS
Carotid artery waveforms -
Chapter/p83
GRANTED PROJECT
We developed a non-contact and non-invasive system for mobile devices with an ordinary camera to diagnose and monitor CVS diseases in collaboration with Auckland Bioengineering Institute with a Medtech Core granted project.
Jugular vein waveforms -Article
We demonstrated that Human-Interfaced AI can modulate human(users) internal organ functions
via digital displays. No wearables or stimulators are needed.
New horizons for telehealth based neuromodulation but also highlight certain ethical aspects of AI.
02 Non-Contact NeuroModulation
via Human-interfaced AI
Click on the Sensors image/icon to access the full text of our article
03 Mobile phone app for Acoustic Startle Reflex Monitoring (MARS) : A remote monitoring system for post-traumatic stress disorder
Click on the Sensors journal logo
to access our article
US patent granted
Clinical trials in collaboration with Johns Hopkins University
and International Federation of Fire Fighters, Center of Excellence,
Baltimore Rehabilation Center
04 Non-contact and automated systems to
determine Parkinson's Disease symptoms
(Tremor, Bradykinesia, Rigidity & Gait)
Click on the image above to read a part of our research as a manuscript in Biosignals 2018
Our other approaches are pending for IP
05 Non-contact mobile phone application
to monitor Parkinson's Disease patients'
motor capabilities
Clinical trial in progress
06 Non-contact mobile phone application
to monitor Swallowing Dysfunctions
EDUCATION TECHNOLOGY
Self-Directed & Distance Learning Systems
IEEE Transactions on Learning Technologies
Our article about Hand Avatar is published in the
Hand Avatar is used in numerous activities including Olympic Science at
Lab in a Box by Otago Museum.
It was also in the news at Otago Daily Times (Click on the ODT logo for the news.)
2023
A software development for 3D textured digitalisation and annotation of human cadaveric specimens for distance learning, revision, lab manual and
multiviewer Hololens mixed reality implementation for holographic cadaveric teaching/learning.
INTERNATIONALISATION OF THE CURRICULUM GRANT PROJECT
HOLOGRAPHIC Interactive Visual System-
Interactive ANATOMY and PATHOLOGIES
We are optimising and testing the utility of a
AI-assisted Digital Human
to serve as an Anatomy Tutor.
You can listen to our pilot project conversations by clicking on the video on the right.
IMPACT
IN THE NEWS
BBC Future, 2021
Daily Mail, 2021
NZHerald, 2017
Otago Daily Times , 2017, 2021(2)
NZdoctor.co.nz, NZ 2017
Voice of America , US 2016
Fox Tv TR 2016
Newsweek TR 3 issues, cover in 2012
Science Focus TR 2011
SPONSORS
Medtech Core NZ
Otago Innovation NZ
Inventram TR/ Mitsui JPN
COLLABORATORS
SouthWest Research Institute US
Columbia University US
Harvard-Singapore University
Maastricht University NL
Auckland University NZ
Auckland Bioengineering Institute NZ
Sydney University, AU
New York University, US
Koc University TR
Codeflugel, AUSTRIA
Soterix, NY,US
Parkinson Study Group, US
NeSI-HPC supercomputer, NZ
Johns Hopkins University, US
Fisher & Paykel Healthcare, NZ
PATENTS
A system for decreasing the blood flow of a targeted organ's artery with an electrical stimulation
WO2014183790 A1
Granted in US, EU & Japan
An electrostimulation device for PD
WO 2014207512 A1
Granted in EU and US
A system for Monitoring Auditory Startle Response
US16/695,103
Electrostimulation device for the external ear canal
PCT/TR2016/050176
Electrostimulation device effective in muscle localisation identification and therapeutic response enhancement
PCT/TR2016/050064
A system for decreasing the blood glucose level
PCT/TR2016/000016
A system for decreasing the blood pressure
PCT/TR2016/000017
A system for Monitoring Auditory Startle Response: Mobile monitoring of the Startle reflex
with intrinsic auricular muscles and camera-based systems
US15/642,287 209/000845 A1
Non-Invasive Stimulation Device for Synchronous stimulation of Sternocleidomastoid muscles and four
of the cutaneous Cervical nerve Branches with their autonomic connections
PCT/TR2019/051093
LAB MEMBERS
Prashanna Khwaounjoo, PhD
Postdoctoral Researcher
Data Scientist
Burak Ozsoy, PhD
Postdoctoral Researcher
Parkinson Device Start-up Company Operations Manager
Ashim Maharjan, MSc
PhD Candidate
Susannah Lumsden, MSc
PhD Candidate
Alexander Yang, BSc
PhD Canditate
Susanne Feringa
Internship student
(from University of Groningen)
Chris Gowen, BSc
MSc Candidate
Mendy Zaal
Internship student (MSc)
(from University of Leiden)
Johanna Mathieson
BMedSci
Nikyta Chesney
PGDipSci
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Working Hard
ALUMNI 2018-2020
Chris Wang
BMedSc(Hons)
Uliana Sekene
PGDipSci
Gurleen Singh
PGDipSci
Catherine Spicer
PGDipSci
Ashim Maharjan
MSc
Chris Gowen
PGDipSci
Alexander Yang
PGdipSci
Dr.Cakmak performed a live demonstration & lecture
on Neuronavigation guided Transcranial magnetic stimulation
for the European Medical Student Association - EMSA
A/Prof. Yusuf Cakmak received the NZ Royal Society Charles Fleming
2024 Senior Scientist Award
Link for Royal Society announcement
Link for the University of Otago News about the award
(Click on the media logos below for the news and interviews about our stimulator.)
PhD/MSc/BSci OPPORTUNITIES ARE AVAILABLE FOR GRADUATES WITH A+
(with a Scholarship possibility for suitably qualified PhD applicants)
HOT NEWS
2023 Olfactory Stimulator Medtech Showcase
at the New Zealand Parliament (Click on the picture for details).
MEETING
We performed our first meeting with FDA (The Food and Drug Administration,
a federal agency of the United States Department of Health and Human Services) for our wearable stimulator for Parkinson's Disease in 2020.
Assoc. Prof. Yusuf O. Cakmak is interviewed
about his innovation for blood flow modulation
by VOA in Washington, DC, US.
Assoc.Prof.Yusuf Cakmak
demonstrated in an invited
showcase for remote
monitorisation
of Parkinson's Disease with
mHealth application
at the Healthtech Week 2023
New Zealand.
Hover the photo for the link
of the University News.
An IP is filed and Ventimate Health is established.
Check Ventimate.Health for information.
Oxford University
2025 Clarendon Scholarship
To read the story of Joseph in Falling Walls Lab, click on the image above.
Susannah Clare Lumsden
AWARD
Nikyta Chesney
AWARD
AWARD
Yusuf O. Cakmak collaborated with the artists Pam McKinley and Christine Keller for Art+Memory-Mind Exhibition
ART & SCIENCE PROJECT
Southwest Research Institute (Texas)
produced the first prototype for our innovation-
the blood flow modulation device
(IP Granted in Japan and US )
STOPARKINSON IN US
We had positive results in clinical
trials, and proceeded with launching the Stoparkinson company in US for our non-invasive wearable device for Parkinson's Disease.
At Cakmak lab, as an MSc project of Joseph Balfe,
we are developing a Novel Smart Wearable "Ventimate"
for the prevention of Asthmatic attacks with
the support of Otago Innovation and 2 MedTech Core Grants.
We presented Ventimate to the 2023 Medtech & Surgery
Investment Committee, a national research commercialisation
programme of New Zealand.
In 2024, the project won the Falling Walls
Labs in New Zealand and represented NZ in Germany.
A/Prof. Yusuf Cakmak's wearable device innovation for blood flow modulation was granted a US Patent
and also recognised for Emergency and Disaster Medicine in Defence Innovation Meeting.
We started novel biomedical device research in Charles Perkins Centre, Hybrid Theatre at the University of Sydney with Siemens iflow technology. Kudos to our great team and Siemens support.
Alex and Gurleen presented 2 of our lab
projects in Texpo
TEXPO
A/Prof. Yusuf Cakmak, with Sir Prof.Peter Hunter and Prof.Nikola Kasabov, ran the first
symposium on Applied Anatomy for MedTech in APICA 2023 Congress.
We discussed the "Developing Financially Sustainable Technologies" session at the 2023 Aotearoa Brain Project Day in this exciting session with a premier lineup of speakers
We facilitated an Ultrasound Mastery
and curriculum development workshop for educators in the APICA 2023 congress.
Personal SelfScan Images
Postgraduate Diploma in Surgical Anatomy 2015- 2023
