{
  "id": 19539251,
  "title": "Chip identifies cells by their electrical signature, then separates them with a precisely aimed sound wave",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/11/chip-identifies-cells-by-their-electrical-signature-then-separates",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-11-11T19:20:09.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Phys.org",
    "slug": "phys-org",
    "url": "https://phys.org/news/2026-11-chip-cells-electrical-signature-precisely.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Researchers in Singapore and China have developed a label-free cell-sorting system that identifies cells by their electrical signature and then separates them using a precisely directed sound wave. The system consists of three components: a viscoelastic fluid that aligns cells in a single file, electrodes that apply weak alternating signals to each cell and record changes in their electrical behavior, and a focused acoustic wave generator that nudges a chosen cell sideways towards a collection outlet. By sorting cells based on a subtle functional electrical signature, the platform can differentiate cells even when they have identical structural characteristics, such as red blood cells engineered with light-sensitive proteins. While the system achieved a purity of 85.4% in sorting structurally similar cells with different functional electrical states, researchers aim to improve signal quality and processing to further enhance classification accuracy. The technology has potential applications in drug-screening workflows, where researchers can enrich living cells that respond differently to treatments affecting membrane function, as well as clinical applications, such as flagging disease-associated changes in blood cells.",
  "summary": "In biomedicine, sorting cells accurately without damaging them remains a persistent problem. Current methods, like fluorescence-activated cell sorting, rely on labeling the cells extrinsically, which can stress the cells, alter their behavior and even interfere with the assay. A collaborative study between researchers in Singapore and China has now developed a noninvasive, label-free method to…",
  "key_points": [
    "Researchers develop label-free cell-sorting system in Singapore and China.",
    "System identifies cells by electrical signature and separates with sound wave."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}