Researchers Develop Small Device that Copies Real-Life Organs

Category: Technology/Innovations

Listening

Unlocking Word Meanings

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.

  1. simulate / ˈsɪm.jə.leɪt / (v) – to copy
    Example:

    The scientists developed a robotic device that simulates a real heart to help students in their medical classes.


  2. cultivate / ˈkʌl.tə.veɪt / (v) – to make something grow
    Example:

    You can cultivate bacteria on a petri dish by placing a sample and feeding them with nutrients.


  3. inaccurate / ɪnˈæk.jɚ.ət / (adj) – not being exact
    Example:

    Because the equipment was broken, the lab tests were all inaccurate.


  4. rigid / ˈrɪdʒ.ɪd / (adj) – not flexible
    Example:

    The device cannot be bent because its structure is very rigid.


  5. stimulus / ˈstɪm.jə.ləs / (n) – something that causes a reaction to occur
    Example:

    The chemical changes color when exposed to a certain stimulus like heat.


Article

Read the text below.

Researchers have developed a chip that functions like real-life organs.


Scientists from the University of Cambridge collaborated with researchers from France, Greece, and Saudi Arabia to create an “organ-on-a-chip” that simulates real human tissues. The new invention gives cells a more realistic environment to grow in.


Typically, cells are cultivated on a petri dish so that drugs or toxins can be tested on them. Although using petri dishes has yielded some good results in the past, the difference between the environment in the dishes and in real-life organs sometimes leads to inaccurate results. Some researchers even test animals for more accuracy. Now, because the new invention functions more like real organs, lab tests are expected to be more accurate and animal testing may also be reduced.


The new device was designed to have a sponge-like structure. Cells from any organ can be placed inside the device and left to grow. The device can then be placed inside a plastic tube where the cells are soaked in nutrients.


The use of the sponge structure instead of a rigid structure provides a more natural environment for cells. It also allows the cells growing in it to react to stimuli like toxins or drugs the same way cells in live organs would.


The device is different from previously created organs-on-a-chip because any cell from any organ can be cultivated in it. In contrast, other organs-on-a-chip have been designed to cultivate cells from specific organs.


For instance, University of Washington developed a kidney-on-a-chip in cooperation with biotechnology company Nortis, Inc. The chip can hold over 5,000 kidney cells, where drugs for kidney diseases could be tested on.


Viewpoint Discussion

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.

Discussion A

• Do you think this device will completely replace animal testing? Why or why not?
• Do you think the results of tests done using this device will be reliable? Why or why not?

Discussion B

• Do you think it is possible to fully simulate real-life objects or situations (e.g. the human body) in a lab? Discuss.
• What are the pros and cons of using medical technology (e.g. using devices like “organ-on-a-chip” instead of animals) to simulate real-life situations?