This Organ-Simulating Microchip Helps in Testing Medications Accurately
Riley von Niessen — May 7, 2016 — Lifestyle
References: ns.umich.edu & engadget
Researches from the University of Michigan have been developing a microchip to promote kidney health. The chip is used to mimic how organs in the body behave and it is hoped that it will lead to a better understanding of how medications effect cells. According to the University of Michigan, "The new technique could lead to more precise dosing of drugs, including some potentially toxic medicines often delivered in intensive care units," paving the way to safer and more accurate testing.
With kidney injuries constant in critical care units, testing medications used to treat them is imperative. While it has become standard to test such treatments on animals, the diversity of their internal composition complicates testing and the cruelty that comes with the practice should be avoided. The organ-simulating microchip is still in testing but so far the proven accuracy of the chip shows it to be an incredible advancement in kidney health.
With kidney injuries constant in critical care units, testing medications used to treat them is imperative. While it has become standard to test such treatments on animals, the diversity of their internal composition complicates testing and the cruelty that comes with the practice should be avoided. The organ-simulating microchip is still in testing but so far the proven accuracy of the chip shows it to be an incredible advancement in kidney health.
Trend Themes
1. Organ-simulating Microchips - The development of organ-simulating microchips presents disruptive innovation opportunities in pharmaceutical testing and drug dosing.
2. Precise Medication Dosing - The use of microchips for mimicking organ behaviors opens up opportunities for more precise dosing of medications, including potentially toxic drugs.
3. Safer Intensive Care Unit Treatments - The application of microchips in testing medications used in intensive care units can lead to safer and more accurate treatments for kidney injuries.
Industry Implications
1. Pharmaceutical - The development of organ-simulating microchips offers disruptive innovation opportunities in the pharmaceutical industry, particularly in drug testing and dosing.
2. Biotechnology - The use of microchips to mimic organ behaviors has potential in advancing biotechnology research and development, specifically in the study of drug effects on cells.
3. Healthcare - The application of organ-simulating microchips in healthcare, particularly in intensive care units, can revolutionize the treatment and management of kidney injuries.
0.5
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
