Abstract: There is described a system for testing a sample. The system comprises a microplate, at least one actuator, a plurality of mutually spaced sensors, and a processor. The microplate has a test portion including an interactive substance. The interactive substance is inherently interactive with a specified test substance. The microplate is arranged such that at least the test portion of the microplate may be brought into contact with the sample. The at least one actuator is operable to vibrate the microplate. The plurality of mutually spaced sensors are coupled to the microplate. Each sensor is operable to provide a respective sensory data time series during vibration of the microplate. The microplate and the sensors are arranged such that the provided sensory data time series are not independent from one another.

Abstract: There is described a method of characterising a property or behaviour of at least one biological cell. The method comprises the steps of: providing a microplate; submerging at least one surface of the microplate in a cell culture medium such that at least one biological cell to be characterised is in contact with the microplate; vibrating the microplate; providing a plurality of mutually spaced sensors coupled to the microplate; obtaining a respective sensory data time series from each sensor during vibration of the microplate, the microplate and the sensors being arranged such that the obtained sensory data time series are not independent from one another; and processing the sensory data time series so as to characterise a property or behaviour of the at least one biological cell. A corresponding system for characterising a property or behaviour of at least one biological cell is also described.