Google Glass to help monitor models of human organs

With Google Glass, a team of researchers has found a way to monitor constantly organs-on-chips experiments without being physically present there. An organ-on-a-chip is a multi-channel 3-D micro-fluidic cell culture chip that simulates the activities, mechanics and physiological response of entire organs and organ systems. This technology has helped scientists to experiment on tiny models of human organs but they require near-constant monitoring.

According to a new study, published in Scientific Reports, researchers have developed software and hardware that is allowing them to go about their days while the high-tech glasses kept watch on their experiments. With the Glass, the team was able to control livers and hearts on a chip remotely, dosing out pharmaceutical compounds by using valves.

The authors said that the software might be particularly useful for doctors or researchers running risky experiments, such as those involving highly infectious bacteria or radioactive materials, by allowing them to keep a safe distance.