In college, I wrote a research paper about the development of Lab-on-chip technologies. Lab-on-chip is exactly what it sounds like. It combines all the functions of a medical laboratory and conducts tests on samples of blood, urine, or any biological fluid, on a device the size of a credit card.Not to get too technical, but basically the volume of fluid collected is small enough that it takes on special properties that allow it to be moved, heated, and manipulated faster, cheaper, and more accurately. (E-mail me if you'd like to read my paper).
Typically, small amounts of electricity or air are required to move the samples around the lab-on-chip device. The electrical connections and air hoses can take up significant space and eliminate the advantages of a small device (see the above image of a lab-on-chip). However, a study from the University of Michigan showed that "music" can move these samples. It's actually tones at specific frequencies and amplitudes that drive the samples. The channels in the device are of varying lengths and widths, therefore, different frequencies can move samples in different channels because of the varying air pressures the sound waves produce.
Lab-on-chip devices are amazing. The goal is that these devices will be used for many different tests in the physician's office or even at home. Such devices would even be great in poor, undeveloped countries where resources and trained personnel are limited. If this sound-based engine or a similar technology really works, lab-on-chip devices will truly be portable!
Learn More: In New U-M Lab-On-A-Chip Device, Music Is The Engine [via Medical News Today]
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