Lab on a Watch (IMAGE) Wiley Caption Surface-functionalized superparamagnetic particles emulsified in mineral oil turn a free-standing droplet into a flexible virtual laboratory with (sub)microliter volumes. By using magnetic forces, rare acute monocytic leukaemia cells are extracted from blood, preconcentrated, purified, lysed and subjected to a real-time PCR in minutes. The PCR works like a clockwork by rotating the droplet over different temperature zones. Credit (C) Wiley-VCH 2008. Usage Restrictions Permission to reproduce with appropriate credit and link to http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/anie.200705016 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.