Organs on Chips

Microchips already power so much of our technology. But they might have a new role: testing emerging medication. Scientists at Harvard's Wyss Institute recently developed a way to bring drugs to market with chip technology. Organs on chips are made from a flexible polymer about the size of a memory stick, each containing a hollow channel lined with living human cells. They mimic the microarchitecture and functions of living organs like lungs, hearts, and intestines, allowing researchers to quickly evaluate the safety and effectiveness of new therapies. Eventually, organs on chips could provide a more accurate picture of the human response to therapies while eliminating the need for animal testing.  

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[Image courtesy of DARPA]