Researchers at the International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory in Portugal have developed a “brain-on-a-chip” to advance treatments for neurological disorders like Alzheimer’s.
This innovative microchip mimics the human brain, using bioorganic materials to replicate the blood-brain barrier—a key challenge in drug development. The chip allows for real-time drug testing, reducing costs and eliminating the need for animal testing. It could revolutionize the development of therapies for brain disorders, which affect 165 million Europeans and cost €800 billion annually. While the prototype shows promise, further refinement and testing are needed before its widespread use.