The Zoomer Report: Lab on a chip

The device electronically manipulates minute droplets of fluid on the surface of a microchip, integrating many different lab functions so fewer are needed. The technique takes raw, unprocessed tissue and delivers results rapidly. The researchers say it also requires much tinier samples than those needed by conventional methods, and estrogen can be measured in minutes.

For their report, the technique was tested on breast tissue from two postmenopausal breast cancer patients.

Estrogen concentrations are not routinely measured because doing so with conventional methods requires large samples.

The new method should make that much easier, the researchers said, and it might be practical for other conditions that require hormone level monitoring, such as infertility.

However, the lab on a chip is still in the early stages of development. It should be ready within five years.

Photo ©iStockphoto.com/ Randy Plett Photographs

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About The Zoomer Report

Libby Znaimer, a prominent Canadian journalist specializing in business, politics, and lifestyle issues, is producer and host of The Zoomer Report, a special feature on topics of interest to baby boomers and the 50+. It covers everything from health and wealth to leisure and volunteerism, from the special vantage point of the generation that has changed society in its wake.

Ms. Znaimer is also Vice-President of News and Information for Classical 96.3FM and AM740. Her first book, "In Cancerland – Living Well Is The Best Revenge" - was published in October 2007 by Key Porter.

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