Imagine a world without animal testing, where new medications are developed without harming animals. While we might never be able to fully avoid animal studies, the rapid progress of microfluidic-based non-animal models is getting us closer to minimising their use. We can now mimic full organ functionality in microfluidics, known as ‘organs-on-a-chip’. These devices both minimise the need for animal studies and function as a crucial step in drug trials, as 95% of new drugs positively tested in animal trials fail in humans. Instead of using animals as a proxy, I use harvested human cells to grow fully functional organs on a microscopy slide scale.
Research keyword: Bio-Mimetic Systems
About the BEAKER STREET ROVING SCIENTIST PROGRAM
Each August, hundreds of Roving Scientists descend upon Hobart, filling up pubs and chatting to strangers as part of Beaker Street Festival. Discover a new world down the lens of microscope, and joining the least-boring bar conversations you’ve ever heard and these free (the chats – not the drinks) events.
For Scientists, Beaker Street’s Roving Scientist Program offers an excellent outreach, professional development, and networking opportunity. It’s the nerdiest and funnest way to share your research with the public, expand your network, and be inspired by leaders in all sectors of science and science communication.
