The Rise of the Mobile Lab the Use of Smartphone Apps for Biomedical Research

摘要

Mobile apps have invaded almost every aspect of life, yet few are relevant for biomedical experimental research. The entry of the few mobile apps targeted at experimental processes promise to revolutionize biomedical research, greatly increasing the convenience of analyzing experiments and potentially displacing certain lab equipment with the smartphone. In anticipation of this progress towards a mobile experimental lab, we surveyed the two popular mobile app stores - GooglePlay Store and Apple App Store and identified the type of apps useful for biomedical research. We also discussed the potential of incorporating the smartphone in biomedical research through the use of apps, and the obstacles to such a development.