Dr. Zderic’s lab’s early focus was on the developmental changes that take place in bladder smooth muscle and the bladder’s response to outlet obstruction. A change in focus occurred with the description of the mouse social stress model which demonstrated how the mind can influence bladder function and structure. Currently, the lab is using transgenic mouse models, viral vectors, and the modern tools of optogenetics and fiber photometry to stimulate and record from distinct areas of the brain that regulate bladder function. The goal is to understand how these pathways work under normal conditions and might be altered by lower urinary tract obstruction, inflammation or social stress. Under the guidance of Dr. Zderic and CHOP Attending Pediatric Urologist, Jason Van Batavia, MD, the lab has also developed and patented UroGenie, a wireless digital sensor that can measure urinary flow rates remotely, for the convenience of both patients and medical professionals. UroGenie was just awarded an NIH Small Business Innovation Research grant to refine the software application required for real-time data analysis and integration into the electronic medical record.