Biochip

Serum protein tests today can cost $500 per marker, require 10 to 15 milliters of blood, and at least two doctor’s visits to take the draw and consult about results.  James Heath, at Caltech, and Leroy Hood at the Institute for Systems Biology, have a new microfluidics device that requires only a drop of blood, tests for 35 proteins, and has results in ten minutes.  No price figures, but Heath says it costs five cents per protein.  Their next step is in identifying serum proteins that are organ-specific.  MORE

Image Credit: James Heath and Technology Review