Schematic of Microfluidic System (IMAGE) Northwestern University Caption In this schematic, the wavy lines depict a computer simulation of the fluid flow through a single microfluidic channel. The fluid flows around obstacles, shown here as blue cylindrical pillars. The flow around these obstacles creates vortices, shown as whirlpool-like spots. These vortices generate effects in the flow that allow fluids to be re-routed and switched within larger microfluidic networks. Credit Northwestern University Usage Restrictions None License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.