Why use time-lapse imaging for making the movies?
Cells move slow, typically a body length every minute (and their body is just 10-20 microns long). To help visualize…
Will participants get to test their cells before the final race?
Yes, assays similar to those that we will use for the Race will be available to participating labs to practice…
How do you determine the winner? Are cells competing as a population or as individuals?
We will identify the first 500 cells to finish the race. We will group these 500 cells by the cell…
Is there a way to prevent cell-cell cAMP signaling of Dicty cells during the race?
Yes, teams will be allowed to add 3 mM caffeine to the race buffer. Other forms of chemical ‘doping’ to…
Do you accept any “custom made” media with the cells?
Unfortunately no. For logistic reasons, during this race we will only be using one cell culture media for Dicty and…
What are the chemical gradients directing the migration of the cells inside the devices?
There are specific chemicals that attract each cell. For Dicty, the chemical attractant is cAMP at 100nM concentration. For HL-60,…
What is the race course?
We are currently designing the shape and size of the microfluidic maze to be challenging for the cells to navigate,…
Are you allowing mutants and engineered cells into the race?
“Dirty” molecular tricks, genetic manipulations, or doping are not only allowed but are strongly encouraged !!! We will use wild…