Researchers at MIT have developed a groundbreaking chip-based device that could revolutionize how biological experiments are conducted. Using an advanced version of optical tweezers, this device manipulates particles with beams of light, much like the iconic “tractor beam” from Star Wars. Unlike conventional methods that rely on bulky microscopes, this compact solution is not only mass-manufacturable but also portable and efficient. Its ability to manipulate particles without contaminating the sample offers promising applications for biologists and clinicians studying DNA, classifying cells, a…