4 minute lesson
Turn Your Phone Into a Microscope!
Just imagine going from taking selfies to studying microbes in seconds, all with a device you carry around every day!
We don’t need new innovations in technology for this to be a reality; if you have a cell phone, you have a microscope. The steps to make your own microscope at home are pretty easy and well worth a try for any science lover.
Here is Anna Rothschild from the YouTube Channel Gross Science explaining a simple DIY for anybody with access to a smartphone!
Why It Matters
It turns out smartphone microscopes aren’t just for looking at puddle water. Scientists at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory created a 3D printed microscope that clips on to your phone and costs a few cents to create. Applying this technology to smartphones or tablets gives people from first responders to children access to microscopes.
This is the beauty of the technological and manufacturing age we live in today. As more people have access to things like 3D printers and smartphones, we allow for fields of technology, engineering, and science to be opened up to a broader range of people.
When we put the tools in people’s hands to inspire creativity and innovation, naturally, more brains, more ideas, more solutions will begin to appear.
Let's Talk About It
Gross Science
Bizarre stories from the slimy, smelly, creepy world of science. New episodes every Monday!
Gross Science is brought to you by PBS Digital Studios, WGBH, and NOVA. Created by Anna Rothschild. Follow Anna on Twitter (@anna_rothschild) and Instagram (@annarothschild)!