We know that 3D cultures can be more realistic than growing cells on hard, flat 2D surfaces.  However, conducting high-throughput screens in 3D is extremely challenging from a technical, logistical and cost perspective.  To address these issues, Brendan and Chris developed a micro-scale 3D culture assay that can be integrated directly into existing high-throughput screening infrastructure, is only slightly more expensive than conventional 2D assays, and eliminates the transport limitations typically associated with 3D systems.  A preliminary screen of breast cancer cell chemo-responsiveness showed dramatic differences in chemotherapeutic activity between 2D and 3D cultures:  check out the paper here and on our Publications page.