A technique that uses acoustic waves to sort cells on a chip
may create miniature medical analytic devices that could make Star Trek's
tricorder seem a bit bulky in comparison, according to a team of researchers.
The device uses two beams of acoustic -- or sound -- waves
to act as acoustic tweezers and sort a continuous flow of cells on a dime-sized
chip, said Tony Jun Huang, associate professor of engineering science and mechanics,
Penn State. By changing the frequency of the acoustic waves, researchers can
easily alter the paths of the cells.