SMART researchers develop 15-minute immune-profiling assay
Deterministic lateral displacement assay can rapidly assess host inflammatory response, identifying a potentially life-threatening hyper-aggressive immune response.
Controlling drug activity with light
Miniaturized device activates drugs in a small region deep within the brain.
3D printing a miniature magnetic pump
Design is the first demonstration of a magnetic, multi-material pump 3D printed all in one piece.
Researchers explore ocean microbes’ role in climate effects
When they encounter nutrient oases in the marine desert, marine bacteria release a gas involved in climate regulation.
Using “organs-on-a-chip” to model complicated diseases
A new approach reveals how different tissues contribute to inflammatory diseases such as ulcerative colitis.
A new facet for germanium
MIT researchers grow perfectly shaped germanium tunnels on silicon oxide with controllable length.
![“The major research directions and technology platforms that [my] lab is known for today came out of this process where the students or I had a crazy idea, and then the lab executed on it, with all the twists and turns along the way,” says Paul Blainey, associate professor of biological engineering.](/sites/default/files/styles/term_page__news_article/public/images/201910/MIT-Blainey.jpg?itok=sTavLw_j)
Biological engineer Paul Blainey creates new tools to advance biomedical research
His technology platforms have benefited genomics, diagnostics, and drug screening.
Scientists look to synthetic biology and 3-D printing for life support in space
Do-it-yourself bio and maker communities can help NASA meet needs of long-distance missions.
Microfluidics device helps diagnose sepsis in minutes
When time matters in hospitals, automated system can detect an early biomarker for the potentially life-threatening condition.
From microfluidics to metastasis
New platform enables longitudinal studies of circulating tumor cells in mouse models of cancer.
Technique identifies electricity-producing bacteria
Microbes screened with a new microfluidic process might be used in power generation or environmental cleanup.
To guide cancer therapy, device quickly tests drugs on tumor tissue
Inexpensive 3-D-printed microfluidics device could be used to personalize cancer treatment.
Using electricity and water, a new kind of motor can slide microrobots into motion
Microhydraulic actuators, thinner than one-third the width of human hair, are proving to be the most powerful and efficient motors at the microscale.
“Body on a chip” could improve drug evaluation
Human tissue samples linked by microfluidic channels replicate interactions of multiple organs.
Understanding and treating disease
Mechanical engineering researchers are developing new and innovative ways to improve health care.