A team of researchers at Columbia Engineering School has developed a new technique to evaluate human stem cells using cell micropatterning — a simple but powerful in vitro tool that will enable scientists to study the initiation of left-right asymmetry during tissue formation, to diagnose disease, and to study factors that could lead to certain birth defects.

Donald E. Ingber, Harward Univ., Boston (MA/USA), and colleagues have created a device that mimics a human lung on a microchip by using human lung and blood vessel cells and combining microfabrication techniques from the computer industry with modern tissue engineering techniques. The ability of the device to predict absorption of airborne nanoparticles and mimic the inflammatory response triggered by microbial pathogens, is a further proof for the concept that „organs-on-chips“ could replace many animal studies.

The "European Partnership for Alternative Approaches to Animal Testing (EPAA)" a voluntary collaboration between the European Commission, European trade associations, and companies from 7 industry sectors, wants to accelerate the development, validation and acceptance of alternative approaches. The joint initiative announces an award up to 100.000€ to support the development and regulatory acceptance of 3Rs alternative methods.

The actual issue of the AltTox Digest is now available online. Amongst others it includes: The OECD approved a new guideline for an in vitro skin irritation test method; the Human Toxicology Project Consortium announces a workshop; new information about the upcoming 8th World Congress on Alternatives & Animal Use in the Life Sciences (August 21-25, 2011 Montréal/Canada).