In this review, the focus will be on recent advances in fluid manipulation techniques such as mixing, dilution, separation, accumulation, flow delay, and flow accelerations. Looking to the future, microfluidics research will continue to explore new ways to manipulate fluids in microscale environments. Challenges include the need for better integration of different manipulation techniques, such as combining mixing and separation techniques, and the development of more complex microfluidic systems. Additionally, advancements in material science will continue to play a critical role in improving the functionality of microfluidic devices. Despite these challenges, the potential for microfluidics to revolutionize various fields remains high, and ongoing research in this area is likely to continue to yield exciting new discoveries and innovations.