Abstract: Fluidic devices and methods for autonomous droplet generation and methods for droplet manipulation are described. In an embodiment, the fluidic device comprises a substrate defining: an inlet reservoir shaped to receive and to carry a carrier liquid; a converging region in fluidic communication with the inlet reservoir and shaped to receive a liquid sample; a constriction adjacent to and in fluidic communication with the converging region, wherein the constriction defines a pathway configured to allow passage of fluid therethrough; a diverging region in fluidic communication with and downstream of the constriction; and an outlet reservoir in fluidic communication with the diverging region, wherein the fluidic device does not comprise a portion covering the outlet reservoir opposite the substrate.