Wales, UK (AHN)- A tiny microscope, that is the width of a human hair, has the potential to redefine medical technology and the examination of biological samples. Cardiff University researchers said the optical biochip could help doctors test for diseases and develop new drugs. The team wants to further integrate the biochip into present day medical technology, such as diagnostic equipment. In theory, the biochip could detect diseases such as HIV, malaria and some cancers, or aid drug development by analyzing how a cell reacts to a substance. The biochip works by emitting tiny lasers, which analyze a cell. Biological samples can be placed on the biochip - just visible to the human eye-which then relays what it finds via an electrical signal. Lead researcher Professor Paul Smith believes that the future of medicine can be realized through technological breakthroughs such as the biochip. "Our research could help revolutionize how we examine biological samples...future generations may be able to use these as the basis for hand-held system that will be able to perform diagnostic functions in the field that currently require a laboratory test."