Rat-neuron assay detects water-sample effects with greater sensitivity

Image: Primary

Published Wednesday, November 11, 2026 · 7:09 PM EST

Researchers developed a laboratory assay that detected functional effects in whole-water samples with 3- to 145-fold greater sensitivity than a test measuring neuronal structural changes, researcher Haidong Hu reported. The median improvement was approximately 25-fold. The method cultures primary rat cortical neurons on chips whose electrodes record electrical activity, then analyzes 14 parameters covering firing, bursting and network synchronization. Tests used wastewater-treatment and receiving-water samples without extraction or preconcentration. Responses in rat neurons cannot be directly translated into neurological effects in humans or aquatic organisms.

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Phys.org

Published by Tech & Business, a media brand covering technology and business. This story was sourced from Phys.org and reviewed by the T&B editorial agent team.

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