We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. This includes personalizing content and advertising. To learn more, click here. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies. Cookie Policy.

Features Partner Sites Information LinkXpress
Sign In
Advertise with Us
RANDOX LABORATORIES

Download Mobile App




Events

ATTENTION: Due to the COVID-19 PANDEMIC, many events are being rescheduled for a later date, converted into virtual venues, or altogether cancelled. Please check with the event organizer or website prior to planning for any forthcoming event.

Device Converts Smartphone into Fluorescence Microscope for Just USD 50

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 14 Mar 2023
Print article
Image: Live view of non-fluorescent specimens using the glowscope frame (Photo courtesy of Winona State University)
Image: Live view of non-fluorescent specimens using the glowscope frame (Photo courtesy of Winona State University)

Fluorescence microscopes are utilized to examine specimens labeled with fluorescent stains or expressing fluorescent proteins, like those tagged with green fluorescent protein. However, since these microscopes come with a hefty price tag of several thousand US dollars, their use is typically limited to well-funded research labs. Now, a new device called the "Glowscope" can transform a smartphone or tablet into a fluorescence microscope for less than USD 50. This device allows for imaging of cells, tissues, and organisms under low magnification and can be used in schools, science outreach settings, and even in research labs.

The glowscope, devised by scientists at Winona State University (Winona, MN, USA), is built using materials like plexiglass and plywood frame, a clip-on camera lens, an LED torch, and theatre stage lighting filters. Using the frame, a smartphone or tablet is positioned above a specimen while the lens is clipped onto the phone or tablet camera to enable magnification. The specimen is illuminated by the LED torch and a lighting filter is placed over the lens to filter out unwanted wavelengths of light, allowing for visualization of fluorescent light emitted by the specimen.

The scientists used live zebrafish embryos which are between two to three millimeters long and express fluorescent proteins in the spinal cord, cardiac tissue, or hindbrain to demonstrate the efficiency of the glowscope. The clip-on lens provided an approximately five-fold magnification and could image green and red fluorescent tissues with a resolution of up to 10 micrometers which is adequate to view individual pigment cells. With the glowscope, the scientists were able to measure the embryos' heart rates and even observe the movements of individual heart chambers after enhancing the clarity of the videos using free software.

With the materials cost ranging from USD 30 to USD 50, the glowscope presents an affordable alternative to expensive fluorescence microscopes. Scientists have suggested that school students could use glowscopes to study behavior, physiology, development, genetics, and anatomy in small organisms expressing fluorescent proteins that could be obtained from research labs. Additionally, research labs without access to multiple fluorescence microscopes could acquire video data by simultaneously utilizing several glowscopes and smartphones, according to the scientists.

Related Links:
Winona State University

Gold Supplier
COVID-19 Antigen Self-Test
Panbio COVID-19 Antigen Self-Test
New
Rapid HBsAg Immunoassay
Imuno-RÁPIDO HBsAg
New
Laboratory Balance
Equinox Precision
New
RF Latex Agglutination Test
rheumajet RF

Print article

Channels

Clinical Chem.

view channel
Image: Brief schematic diagram of the detection principle and method (Photo courtesy of CAS)

Rapid, Non-Invasive Method Diagnoses Type 2 Diabetes by Sniffing Urinary Acetone

Over 90% of diabetes cases are attributed to Type 2 diabetes (T2D), a prevalent metabolic condition that is expected to impact 380 million individuals globally by 2025. Despite being highly accurate, the... Read more

Molecular Diagnostics

view channel
Image: The new assay enables accurate prognosis and detection data for those prone to esophageal cancer (Photo courtesy of Previse)

First-of-Its-Kind Test Helps Determine Future Risk of Esophageal Cancer

Esophageal cancer is among the most lethal cancers in the world and has a 20% five-year survival rate post-diagnosis. Barrett's esophagus is the sole precursor known and is a significant risk factor for... Read more

Immunology

view channel
Image: A genetic test could guide the use of cancer chemotherapy (Photo courtesy of Pexels)

Genetic Test Predicts Whether Bowel Cancer Patients Can Benefit From Chemotherapy

Late-stage bowel cancer patients usually undergo a series of chemotherapies and targeted medicines for cancer treatment. However, the responses to the last-line chemotherapy treatment trifluridine/tipiracil... Read more

Microbiology

view channel
Image: Sampling a single stool using multiple PCR panels can identify more pathogens rapidly (Photo courtesy of Pexels)

PCR Panels for Acute GI Infections Can Lower Costs, Hospitalization and Antibiotic Use

Acute gastroenteritis impacts adults across all age groups and incurs enormous healthcare expenses. Now, a new study comprising 40,000 hospital visits across various geographic locations has revealed that... Read more

Pathology

view channel
Image: Artificial intelligence predicts genetics of cancerous brain tumors in under 90 seconds (Photo courtesy of Michigan Medicine)

AI-Based Diagnostic Screening System Predicts Genetics of Cancerous Brain Tumors in 90 Seconds

The diagnosis and treatment of gliomas increasingly rely on molecular classification, as surgical benefits and risks vary depending on a patient's genetic makeup. Complete removal of the tumor can extend... Read more

Industry

view channel
Image: Roche and Lilly will collaborate on the development of Roche Diagnostics’ Elecsys Amyloid Plasma Panel (Photo courtesy of Roche)

Roche and Eli Lilly Collaborate on Innovative Blood Test for Early Diagnosis of Alzheimer's

Presently, obstacles to timely and precise diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease exist globally, resulting in as many as 75% of individuals exhibiting symptoms but lacking a formal diagnosis.... Read more
Copyright © 2000-2023 Globetech Media. All rights reserved.