Abstract: A method for performing a biological experiment includes accessing a protocol that specifies operations and prescribes a plurality of conditions for carrying out the biological experiment in a defined space. The method includes performing the sequence of operations according to the protocol; and periodically before or as the sequence of operations are performed, obtaining observations of particular conditions of the plurality, and comparing the particular conditions as observed to the particular conditions as prescribed.

Abstract: A method for performing a biological experiment includes accessing a protocol that specifies operations and prescribes a plurality of conditions for carrying out the biological experiment in a defined space. The method includes performing the sequence of operations according to the protocol; and periodically before or as the sequence of operations are performed, obtaining observations of particular conditions of the plurality, and comparing the particular conditions as observed to the particular conditions as prescribed.

Abstract: A system for producing an encapsulated cellular spheroid is disclosed. The system includes a source liquid reservoir containing a source liquid including a mixture of a living cell suspension and a liquid extracellular analog; a vertical solidification column containing a carrier liquid having a greater density than a density of the source liquid; and a source liquid injector in fluid communication with the source liquid reservoir and the vertical solidification column and being arranged to dispense droplets of the source liquid into a lower portion of the vertical solidification column, and heat to a temperature greater than a threshold temperature of the extracellular analog, wherein the liquid extracellular analog of the source liquid droplets irreversibly semi-solidifies at the temperature and encapsulates the living cell suspension within, such that living cells in the encapsulated living cell suspension adhere to one another in a spherical mass and form the encapsulated cellular spheroid.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling an experimental temperature of experimental material is disclosed. The apparatus can include a structural holder structured to hold the experimental material, the structural holder including a surface to receive the experimental material. The apparatus can also include a first layer, a second layer and a third layer of respectively a phase change material, a reflective material and an insulating material, the first layer disposed on the surface of the structural holder, the second layer disposed on the first layer, and the third layer disposed on the second layer, at least the first layer of the phase change material being configured to control the experimental temperature of the experimental material when held by the structural holder.

Abstract: A method for performing a biological experiment includes accessing a protocol that specifies operations and prescribes a plurality of conditions for carrying out the biological experiment in a defined space. The method includes performing the sequence of operations according to the protocol; and periodically before or as the sequence of operations are performed, obtaining observations of particular conditions of the plurality, and comparing the particular conditions as observed to the particular conditions as prescribed.