This is an entirely new way of doing tissue culture. In the cosmetics industry for example whole live animals are used to test products. The ECIS 100 eliminates the need to carry out tests on live animals and yields more comprehensive data when studying toxic effects on cells. Giaever says these fundamental measurements impact many areas of cell research including in vitro toxicology, and understanding a cell's metastatic potential. When electricity is present a cell will spread out over the electrode and scientists are able to measure changes to cells over time.
Scientists can also understand how other cells react to repair a wounded cell.
Giaever says being in the Incubator has given his company a business boost. He says the wealth of new ideas from the constant influx of energetic students creates a dynamic positive atmosphere in which to do business. There are four systems in use on the Rensselaer campus. Giaever and Keese began developing the ECIS 100 system in 1991 with Small Business Innovation Research funding from the National Institutes of Health.