Topic: Health
Scientists at Texas A&M University created a new pump that mimics human blood flow. This breakthrough could help researchers study heart disease and develop new treatments.
For over 25 years, scientists have been using lab-on-a-chip technology to model human organs and blood vessels. These tiny systems can replicate human cells and mimic organs or even full organ systems under various conditions. However, they have a major limitation: they cannot accurately recreate the blood flow waveforms generated by the human heart.
Researchers at Texas A&M University have now developed an automated fluid perfusion device that could revolutionize lab-on-a-chip technology. The device is called HemaDyne, and it was inspired by an accordion player. Dr. Abhishek Jain and his team noticed that the bellows of an accordion can expand and contract quickly, creating air pressure without much effort.
The human blood flow waveform is made up of multiple pulses and wavelengths that happen very quickly – within 50 milliseconds. The current pump equipment cannot deliver this change in flow. Dr. Jain and his team wanted to find a way to accurately recreate the blood flow waveform in the lab. They developed HemaDyne, which can perfectly replicate blood flow under any condition and in any part of the body.
The HemaDyne pump allows researchers to take recorded blood flow waveforms from patients or blood vessels and recreate them in the lab. This enables scientists to study how endothelial cells behave under different conditions. They can also test new drugs on human cells inside the chips to find the best treatment for vascular diseases.
Why It Matters
This breakthrough could help Indian students understand heart disease and its effects on the body. It may also lead to the development of new treatments that can be used in India.
Key Facts
- Scientists at Texas A&M University created a new pump called HemaDyne that replicates human blood flow.
- The HemaDyne pump was inspired by an accordion player and its bellows.
- The pump can recreate blood flow waveforms within 50 milliseconds.
- Researchers can use the HemaDyne pump to study heart disease and develop new treatments.
- The breakthrough could lead to better understanding of vascular diseases and their effects on the body.
Key Terms
- Lab-on-a-chip technology
- A tiny system that replicates human cells and organs in a lab.
Implications
This breakthrough could help Indian students understand heart disease and its effects on the body. It may also lead to the development of new treatments that can be used in India.
Leave a comment