Several developments have come forward recently in designing parallel channel microfluidic chips that can be used as biosensors.  This piece describes a research collaboration between North Carolina State University and University of North Carolina scientists who use nanolithography to create micron scale silicon “cantilevers” with polymer spheres (or natural spores) that can bend to connect with a fluid on the chip’s surface.  What’s different about this approach is that it relies on changes in humidity to bend the lever, rather than using an electrical or acoustic wave to make contact.  MORE