Microfluidic silicon probe could improve disease diagnostics
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A graphic depicting how the IBM probe's microfluidic tip is able to precisely deposit biomarker solution
IBM scientists have created a flexible silicon probe, that could allow for more precise staining of smaller medical tissue samples
A sheet containing multiple probes, at IBM Zurich
The IBM probe, with a match for scale
Article Summary
IBM scientists in Zurich have created a proof-of-concept device, that could change the way that human tissue samples are analyzed. Presently, samples must be stained with a biomarker solution in order to detect the presence of a disease. The staining process can be quite involved, however, plus it is subject to error – too much of the solution can cause inaccurate results, for instance. Additionally, it can sometimes be difficult to perform enough tests using the small amount of tissue extracted in most biopsies. The IBM technology, though it still involves staining, is said to offer a potential solution to these shortcomings.
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