Massive Science
Researchers have pioneered what may be the most accurate simulation of kidney function to-date
The future of medical research may fit on a clear chip not much bigger than a quarter.
In theory, organ-on-a-chip devices are aptly named. The engineered silicone modules contain small “organs,” represented by specific types of human cells. Fluid courses through thin channels — like veins, but only a fraction of the size — which interconnect the various cells, and expose them to drug treatments carefully administered by lab scientists. They may look like gadgets from the future, but these organ-on-a-chip devices have already garnered attention from scientists hoping to fix a broken drug discovery process.
Max G. Levy 