Scientists converted a cell phone into a cheap microscope and used it to find intestinal parasites.
"When the results were double-checked with a laboratory light microscope, the device had managed to pick up 70% of the samples with infections present - and 90% of the heavier infections.
"Intestinal worms are estimated to affect up to two billion people around the world, mainly in poor areas. These parasitic infections cause malnutrition, stunted growth, and stunted mental development.
"It's a big deal, a big problem."
from: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-21769537
Remote villages in Lesotho could benefit from this technology. The question is, how hard is it to train someone to collect the samples, prepare the slides, and read the results?
* cost of ball lens ~$12
-Janissa
"You need [a] ball lens* to help with the magnification - but any mobile phone with a decent camera and a zoom function will be sufficient.
"When the results were double-checked with a laboratory light microscope, the device had managed to pick up 70% of the samples with infections present - and 90% of the heavier infections.
"Intestinal worms are estimated to affect up to two billion people around the world, mainly in poor areas. These parasitic infections cause malnutrition, stunted growth, and stunted mental development.
"It's a big deal, a big problem."
from: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-21769537
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Remote villages in Lesotho could benefit from this technology. The question is, how hard is it to train someone to collect the samples, prepare the slides, and read the results?
* cost of ball lens ~$12
-Janissa
