Shaken, not Stirred

Studying an organ as overwhelmingly complicated as the human brain is a daunting task, but innovative tools are helping scientists to unlock new information. One important technique is the development of brain organoids: aggregates of cells derived from human stem cells, induced to mature into cell types found in the brain, such as neurons (pictured in green, in a 75-day-old brain organoid) and supportive astrocytes (in red). Allowing researchers to carry out laboratory tests on brain-like structures, organoids are proving useful in the study of conditions ranging from autism to infection with the Zika virus. To make an organoid, cells are gently mixed in a nutrient-rich liquid, encouraging them to clump together. Researchers recently developed more cost-effective methods of achieving this, using equipment known as orbital shakers to agitate plates of cells on a rotating surface. As techniques continue to improve, brain organoids will become increasingly valuable for neurological research.

Written by Emmanuelle Briolat

Emmanuelle Briolat

Writer

A researcher specialising in visual signals in Lepidoptera, camouflage and the effects of light pollution, Emmanuelle’s writing covers a range of topics, from biomedical research to children’s books about moth defences.

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• Image from the D'Or Institute for Research and Education
• D’Or Institute for Research and Education (IDOR), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
• Image copyright held by the original authors
• Research published in BMC Developmental Biology, March 2019