Nature: Lab on a Chip

Nature is a weekly international journal publishing peer-reviewed research in all fields of science and technology on the basis of its originality, importance, interdisciplinary interest, timeliness, accessibility, elegance and surprising conclusions. Nature also provides rapid, authoritative, insightful and arresting news and interpretation of topical and coming trends affecting science, scientists and the wider public. This archived collection of articles discuss nanotechnology topics. "The ability to perform laboratory operations on small scales using miniaturized (lab-on-a-chip) devices has many benefits. Designing and fabricating such systems is extremely challenging, but physicists and engineers are beginning to construct highly integrated and compact labs on chips with exciting functionality as outlined in this Insight. The collection also highlights recent advances in the application of microfluidic-chip-based technologies such as chemical synthesis, the study of complex cellular processes and medical diagnostics." Visitors may read an editorial, an overview, and select reviews.