Abstract
Many significant biomedical discoveries of old were made in the private property of famous scientists e.g. Leeuwenhoek and Archimedes. Today, discoveries are made in brightly-lit, hi-tech, ergonomic buildings that house research institutes. While such development is advantageous in many aspects, the spatial restriction of research into well-organized structures may delay and limit the spontaneity necessary for discoveries. The smartphone and peripheral mobile devices have the potential to not only increase the productivity and mobility of biomedical research, but also restore some freedom from spatial constraints. One possible way this can occur is the development of a mobile biomedical lab that allows researchers to carry out core research processes ‘on-the-go’ without being spatially restrained within a building or availability of equipment. For this exciting prospect, we surveyed the Google and Apple app stores, discussing the limitations and the potential of this area. Based on the developments, it appears to be just a matter of time before the majority of biomedical labs processes and equipment become mobile, centred on the smartphone and peripheral devices.
Highlights
Many significant scientific discoveries of the past were made in spatial freedom of the discoverers, often in the very homes of the scientists themselves or unusual places such as in a bath tub
Biomedical research is typically done in brightly-lit, hi-tech, ergonomic buildings that house expensive laboratory equipment
None savings in terms of equipment costs, and reducing the rental space and equipment setup and delivery costs. Such connectivity can be fulfilled utilizing the in-built wireless connectivity (WIFI, Bluetooth, NFC, Infrared, etc.) of the typical modern smartphone. These have already allowed add-on peripheral devices and sensors to further expand the reach of capabilities, e.g. thermostat sensors connected wirelessly can further open up capabilities of the smartphone
Summary
Many significant scientific discoveries of the past were made in spatial freedom of the discoverers, often in the very homes of the scientists themselves or unusual places such as in a bath tub. Biomedical research is typically done in brightly-lit, hi-tech, ergonomic buildings that house expensive laboratory equipment. While such structures have clear benefits in providing systematic progress and ease of operation, the spatial localization has a small con. On top of the equipment, computers are required to control these devices and facilitate data analysis (e.g. flow cytometry) This necessary pairing of computer and equipment further constrains the researcher to a specific location within the lab. In this aspect, mobile apps and peripheral devices that displace computers or other equipment can aid to mobilize research processes, contributing to significant
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