In vitro brain organoids enable the study of the nervous system, while organ-on-chip technology allows researchers to explore the integration and interaction of neural tissues with other organ systems. At Eurac Research’s Institute for Biomedicine, scientists are cultivating various types of organoids in the laboratory. These tiny, three-dimensional structures, derived from human stem cells, replicate features of specific human organs. When placed on a ‘chip,’ the organoids are studied to observe their development and responses to stimuli and drugs. Researchers can also connect different organoids—such as those representing the liver and heart, or different regions of the brain—to study how they interact with one another, simulating human physiology in an increasingly realistic way. This innovative approach advances our understanding of diseases and supports the testing of treatments, with a strong emphasis on ethical medical research, health, and prevention.

UNLV biomedical engineer Huang Chen studies how blood cells interact with medical devices and how to make them more efficient. The research is addressing challenges faced by adults with end-stage heart failure and children undergoing treatment for congenital heart defects where only one ventricle is functional.

Real-time monitoring, digital twins and participatory research: unique infrastructure for designing buildings based on health, comfort and the environment