Articles tagged with Microfluidics
Comprehensive exploration of living organisms, biological systems, and life processes across all scales from molecules to ecosystems. Encompasses cutting-edge research in biology, genetics, molecular biology, ecology, biochemistry, microbiology, botany, zoology, evolutionary biology, genomics, and biotechnology. Investigates cellular mechanisms, organism development, genetic inheritance, biodiversity conservation, metabolic processes, protein synthesis, DNA sequencing, CRISPR gene editing, stem cell research, and the fundamental principles governing all forms of life on Earth.
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Comprehensive investigation of human society, behavior, relationships, and social structures through systematic research and analysis. Encompasses psychology, sociology, anthropology, economics, political science, linguistics, education, demography, communications, and social research methodologies. Examines human cognition, social interactions, cultural phenomena, economic systems, political institutions, language and communication, educational processes, population dynamics, and the complex social, cultural, economic, and political forces shaping human societies, communities, and civilizations throughout history and across the contemporary world.
Fundamental study of the non-living natural world, matter, energy, and physical phenomena governing the universe. Encompasses physics, chemistry, earth sciences, atmospheric sciences, oceanography, materials science, and the investigation of physical laws, chemical reactions, geological processes, climate systems, and planetary dynamics. Explores everything from subatomic particles and quantum mechanics to planetary systems and cosmic phenomena, including energy transformations, molecular interactions, elemental properties, weather patterns, tectonic activity, and the fundamental forces and principles underlying the physical nature of reality.
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Study of the practice, culture, infrastructure, and social dimensions of science itself. Addresses how science is conducted, organized, communicated, and integrated into society. Encompasses research funding mechanisms, scientific publishing systems, peer review processes, academic ethics, science policy, research institutions, scientific collaboration networks, science education, career development, research programs, scientific methods, science communication, and the sociology of scientific discovery. Examines the human, institutional, and cultural aspects of scientific enterprise, knowledge production, and the translation of research into societal benefit.
Comprehensive study of the universe beyond Earth, encompassing celestial objects, cosmic phenomena, and space exploration. Includes astronomy, astrophysics, planetary science, cosmology, space physics, astrobiology, and space technology. Investigates stars, galaxies, planets, moons, asteroids, comets, black holes, nebulae, exoplanets, dark matter, dark energy, cosmic microwave background, stellar evolution, planetary formation, space weather, solar system dynamics, the search for extraterrestrial life, and humanity's efforts to explore, understand, and unlock the mysteries of the cosmos through observation, theory, and space missions.
Comprehensive examination of tools, techniques, methodologies, and approaches used across scientific disciplines to conduct research, collect data, and analyze results. Encompasses experimental procedures, analytical methods, measurement techniques, instrumentation, imaging technologies, spectroscopic methods, laboratory protocols, observational studies, statistical analysis, computational methods, data visualization, quality control, and methodological innovations. Addresses the practical techniques and theoretical frameworks enabling scientists to investigate phenomena, test hypotheses, gather evidence, ensure reproducibility, and generate reliable knowledge through systematic, rigorous investigation across all areas of scientific inquiry.
Study of abstract structures, patterns, quantities, relationships, and logical reasoning through pure and applied mathematical disciplines. Encompasses algebra, calculus, geometry, topology, number theory, analysis, discrete mathematics, mathematical logic, set theory, probability, statistics, and computational mathematics. Investigates mathematical structures, theorems, proofs, algorithms, functions, equations, and the rigorous logical frameworks underlying quantitative reasoning. Provides the foundational language and tools for all scientific fields, enabling precise description of natural phenomena, modeling of complex systems, and the development of technologies across physics, engineering, computer science, economics, and all quantitative sciences.
Researchers at NIST developed a method to incorporate pneumatic microvalves into microfluidic devices made from plastic films and tape. The new valved microfluidic device can be used for dynamic control of fluid flow, enabling the creation of complex configurations with multiple functions.
Researchers at the University of Toronto have developed a tool that allows for cost-efficient, three-dimensional microgels to study cells in a naturalistic manner. The digital microfluidics platform enables flexible incorporation of different cell types and shapes, with potential applications in personalized medicine.
A team of researchers has created a microfluidic device that sorts sperm cells based on their motility and ability to swim through narrow channels. This approach shows promising results in increasing the concentration of highly motile sperm, which could enhance the success of assisted reproductive technologies like in vitro fertilization.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a new microfluidic approach to assemble functional materials, including polypeptides and nanostructures. The technique uses tailored flows in microfluidic devices to control the assembly process, enabling reproducible fabrication of advanced materials.
Researchers at NIST and Applied Research Associates developed a microfluidic technique to recover DNA from complex mixtures like dirt. This method delivers optimal DNA concentrations for human identification procedures, potentially miniaturized for use outside the laboratory.
Researchers develop a new microfluidic chip that can capture over 90% of circulating tumor cells from patient blood, providing potential applications for cancer screenings, treatment assessments, and disease progression determination. The technique shortens processing time and improves efficiency compared to existing methods.
A portable diagnostic device developed by Chinese researchers can travel to patients anywhere in the world, providing an opportunity for early cancer detection. The device uses microfluidics technology and is designed to be low-cost, easy-to-use, and power-independent.
Researchers from the Institute of Physical Chemistry of the Polish Academy of Sciences have developed a microfluidic system that can merge, transport and split microdroplets, allowing for the simultaneous cultivation of hundreds of different bacteria cultures. This breakthrough could speed up research on antibiotic resistance by reduci...
Researchers at Harvard's Wyss Institute developed a microfluidic circulatory system for windows that can cool the glass while letting in sunlight. The system uses water to absorb heat and could reduce air-conditioning costs dramatically, cutting energy consumption by up to 8C.
Researchers created a range of predictable flows by placing tiny pillars in microfluidic channels, allowing for separation of white blood cells and increased mixing. The method has potential to revolutionize microfluidics and form the foundation for multi-million dollar industries.
Researchers at Virginia Tech have developed a new three-dimensional microfluidic device that can customize channel shapes to mimic natural conditions. The technology has potential applications in water and food safety, as well as biological terrorism detection.
Researchers have developed a fully integrated microfluidic test-bed to evaluate and optimize solar-driven electrochemical energy conversion systems. The system has been used to study schemes for photovoltaic electrolysis of water and can be adapted to study artificial photosynthesis and fuel cell technologies.
Researchers at the University of Illinois developed a new flow-based method for manipulating and confining single particles in free solution, addressing current challenges in nanoscience. The microfluidic trap enables precise positioning control over tiny nanoparticles, enabling exploration of new technologies.
The new fabric uses microfluidic technology to form excess sweat into droplets that drain away automatically. The fabric's water-repellent properties and controlling patterns of conductive threads enable targeted sweat collection and removal.
Amar Basu's techniques enable rapid testing of biological liquids with nanoliter-picoliter volumes, reducing costs and improving assay speed. His projects focus on controlling droplet motion using lasers and sorting droplets based on chemical composition without labels.
The researchers developed elastic, self-healing wires with a liquid-metal core and polymer sheath that reconnect at the molecular level after being severed. This technology has potential for use in technologies exposed to high-stress environments, such as reconfigurable circuit wiring and 3D microfluidics.
Scientists have developed a new micropump capable of producing pressures up to 17,000 pounds per square inch for 'labs-on-a-chip' in handheld devices. This innovation could enable instant analysis of blood and urine at patient bedside, reducing the need for central lab waiting periods.
Researchers have developed a new microfluidic device that can separate rare cells and blood components with high accuracy and speed. The device uses inertial microfluidics to sort blood into different streams, allowing for rapid diagnosis of conditions such as anemia, malaria, or leukemia.
Stephen Quake's work has revolutionized biophysics, biological automation, genome analysis, and personalized medicine with innovative physical techniques. His pioneering efforts have enabled answers to previously impossible questions and had profound impact on nearly every area of biology.
An international team of researchers has developed a way to manipulate cells using fluid flow patterns generated by mechanical oscillations in a microfluidic channel. This technique combines the precision of direct physical contact with the speed of non-contact methods, allowing for high-level control over individual cells.
Researchers at National Taiwan University created a two-phase microfluidics technique to systematically stretch polymer strings suspended in fluid flow. By varying wall wettability, flow rate ratio, and Reynolds number, they controlled polymer extension, providing insights into biomolecule structure and behavior.
Dr. Quake recognized for revolutionary work in drug discovery, genome analysis, and personalized medicine, enabling large-scale automation of biology and improving human health outcomes. His microfluidic technology has enabled non-invasive prenatal testing and single-cell gene expression analysis.
Engineers developed glucose-sensing microbeads using droplet microfluidics, allowing for non-invasive monitoring of cell cultures. The technique enables detection of local glucose concentrations and gradual changes due to cell metabolism.
Researchers at MIT and NUS have developed a microfluidic system that uses natural margination to separate red blood cells from unwanted cellular components. The system demonstrates highly efficient removal of bacteria and inflammatory cells, with potential applications in treating sepsis.
Researchers found that internal friction significantly slows down the protein folding process, making it easier for proteins to get stuck in unfolded states. This understanding could lead to new insights into diseases like Alzheimer's, where misfolded proteins contribute to amyloid plaques.
Researchers developed a disposable microfluidic chip that provides accurate, point-of-care flu diagnosis, replacing expensive lab tests. The chip extracts RNA from Influenza A virus and replicates the sample for detection, producing faster and cheaper results.
The new device, created by Javier Atencia, features a diffusion-based gradient generator that reduces the risk of cell damage and offers simplicity. In experiments, cells were exposed to cycloheximide, resulting in increased fluorescence levels as the chemical concentration decreased.
Researchers have developed a novel microfluidics system using magnetic switches to trap and transport magnetic beads. The technology offers random access control and a memory that lasts even with power off, making it suitable for biotechnology and medical diagnostics applications.
Researchers at the University of Cincinnati have developed a method to isolate and collect fragile prostate cancer cells using inertial microfluidic technology. The approach uses cell size for separation, eliminating the need for biological markers or external forces.
Researchers from NIST and Applied Research Associates Inc. have expanded the reach of their novel microfluidic system for analyzing chemical components of complex samples. The new work demonstrates how the system can analyze negatively charged components as well, overcoming a major challenge in sample analysis.
A new microfluidic-based diagnostic device, mChip, can perform complex laboratory assays and diagnose infectious diseases like HIV and syphilis in remote regions with a tiny finger prick of blood. The device significantly reduces testing time and cost, providing immediate results for medical workers.
Researchers at Berkeley Lab have developed a portable system for highly sensitive multi-dimensional chemical analysis by pairing NMR/MRI technology with microfluidic chromatography. This breakthrough enables real-time peak detection and chemical shift information for small molecules, demonstrating the unique power of magnetic resonance...
In the annual MEMS student design contest, Texas Tech University won for their novel insect-inspired micro-dragonfly design that generates aerodynamic lift and thrust. Carnegie Mellon University took the educational category with a highly sensitive microvalve that requires picoJoules of energy to switch its state.
A team of researchers at MIT has discovered a simple yet efficient method to mix fluids in small or confined spaces using viscosity contrast. By injecting a thin fluid into a thicker one, the two liquids can be mixed uniformly quickly, overcoming challenges in microfluidics technology and lab-on-a-chip applications.
Researchers at UCLA have created a lens-free optical microscope that can produce high-resolution 3D images of microscopic objects. The system uses tomography and digital sensor arrays to capture detailed sub-cellular structures without using a lens.
Researchers developed SIMBAS, a self-powered chip that can analyze whole blood samples without external components. The device captures blood cells and separates plasma using gravity-driven flow, enabling disease diagnosis within minutes.
The NC State team has created microfluidic devices with inherently aligned electrodes composed of liquid metal alloy, allowing for easier and faster electrode creation. This approach enables the creation of useful electrode configurations that were previously difficult or impossible to achieve.
Researchers developed a planar microfluidic reactor that harnesses sunlight to break down contaminants in water using photocatalysis. The technology has shown dramatic improvements in efficiency, with plans to scale up the process for industrial water treatment applications.
A new microfluidic device enables the rapid orientation of hundreds of embryos, allowing for large-scale quantitative analyses of protein positional information along the dorsoventral axis. This innovation facilitates studies on complex structures from single cells and has the potential to adapt for other model organisms.
UC Davis engineers have developed a universal microfluidics connector to bridge biological tests with electronic devices, enabling compact medical diagnostic tools. The 'fit-to-flow' interface could enable cell phones to function as mini microscopes.
Researchers have developed a simple method to fabricate free-standing polymer membranes with precisely patterned holes, opening up potential applications in microfluidics. The technique uses photolithography and prepolymer, allowing for easy fabrication of membranes with accurate sizes and shapes.
A new microfluidics-imaging platform can detect cancer growth signaling in tiny biopsy samples, allowing for faster and more efficient screening. This method uses an integrated platform to measure kinase activity from as few as 3,000 cells, enabling direct experimentation on patient samples.
A new development in NMR/MRI technology enables scientists to image microscopic objects with high spatial and time resolutions, recording images up to one million times faster than conventional MRI experiments. This breakthrough paves the way for portable chemical and biomedical analysis.
Researchers at Stevens Institute of Technology have developed a new method to generate three-dimensional tissue models for studying bacterial infection of orthopedic implants. The microfluidic devices mimic the human body's conditions, allowing for realistic bone tissue growth and analysis of antibiotic delivery.
A microfluidic device developed in Hong Kong enables non-invasive testing of anti-tumor drugs by subjecting cancerous cells to different concentration gradients. The device integrates a previously validated analysis method that quantifies cell apoptosis in real-time, allowing for precise control and reduced costs.
Paul Li's new technique combines DNA microarrays with microfluidic devices, allowing for faster and more efficient DNA analysis at room temperature. The method uses gold nanoparticles to separate single strands of DNA, enabling quicker detection and identification of specific genetic sequences.
Researchers discovered that different cells respond differently to stimuli, contradicting previous uniformity assumptions. The study used microfluidics to monitor individual cells' reactions and found nuanced variations in responses.
Using Popsicle-type craft sticks to form channels in Jell-O, students can create large-scale microfluidic devices. This method makes hands-on experience with microfluidics possible, reducing the need for expensive equipment and toxic chemicals.
Researchers at NIST and University of Maryland have developed a microfluidic method called COMMAND to produce uniform liposomes with controlled sizes. The technique uses a microscopic fluidic device to mix phospholipid molecules, resulting in nanoscale vesicles that can deliver drugs directly to cancer cells.
Researchers at University of Michigan created a microfluidic integrated circuit that regulates fluid flow without external instructions. This innovation aims to simplify lab-on-a-chip devices and enable instant home diagnostic tests for various illnesses and contaminants.
UC engineering researchers have created a paradigm shift in microfluidics by developing a lab-on-a-chip with programmable microfluidic systems. This innovation enables the reconfiguration of microchannel structure as needed for performing various biomedical assays, such as DNA analysis and immunoassays.
A new microfluidic sorting device rapidly analyzes millions of biological reactions, allowing researchers to identify potent drugs and cleaner sources of energy. The device uses drop-based microfluidics to sort compounds in parallel at high speed.
Monash University scientists have developed a novel cotton-thread based microfluidic device capable of detecting diseases such as kidney failure and diabetes at an affordable cost. The device is the size of a postage stamp and can be produced using simple equipment like sewing machines.
Scientists in Australia have developed a novel method to stitch together microfluidic analytical devices using ordinary cotton thread and sewing needles, promising revolutionary applications in medicine and environmental sensing. This simple and relatively low-cost approach uses the wicking properties of cotton thread to transport flui...
The zone-plate array optical detection system can analyze nearly 200,000 droplets per second and is scalable and reusable. This technology integrates high performance optics with microfluidics to enhance lab-on-a-chip devices, making them more practical for disease detection and environmental sensing.
The NIST magnetic connector eliminates leakage and improves flexibility in microfluidic systems, making it suitable for various applications. Researchers demonstrated the viability of their magnetic connector in a liposome generation device with no visible leakage.
NIST researchers have developed a novel method for analyzing complex samples with minimal sample preparation, using Gradient Elution Moving Boundary Electrophoresis (GEMBE) in microfluidic devices. This technique enables the separation of components from solutions containing particulates or other contaminating materials.
Researchers at NIST have proposed a mathematical solution to enable calibration of temperature in microfluidic systems for accurate measurements. The new equations can correct errors introduced by changing reference temperatures, benefiting applications like DNA amplification and chemical analysis.
Researchers used a LEGO board with pegs to recreate microscopic activity in lab-on-a-chip devices. By analyzing the motion of beads through the array, they discovered that large particles followed deterministic paths and were influenced by phase locking.
Researchers at NIST have developed a microfluidic palette to produce multiple, steady-state chemical gradients for studying complex biological mechanisms. The device uses diffusion instead of active mixing, allowing cells to remain in the microchamber without disruption.