Foldscope

Origami-based paper microscope

Foldscope

A fully assembled Foldscope

The Foldscope is an affordable, paper-based microscope that can be assembled from a flat sheet of paper. It was designed to be a low-cost, portable, and durable tool for scientific exploration and education, particularly in resource-limited settings. The Foldscope is an example of frugal innovation, aiming to make science accessible to everyone.

History

The Foldscope was developed by Manu Prakash and Jim Cybulski at Stanford University. The idea was inspired by the need for a low-cost diagnostic tool that could be used in the field to identify diseases such as malaria and tuberculosis. The first prototypes were created in 2010, and the design has since evolved to improve usability and functionality.

Design and Features

Diagram of the Foldscope components

The Foldscope is constructed using the principles of origami, allowing it to be folded from a single sheet of paper. It includes a lens, a light source, and a stage for holding samples. The lens is capable of magnifying objects up to 140x, which is sufficient to view bacteria, blood cells, and other microorganisms.

The microscope is designed to be lightweight and portable, making it ideal for use in the field. It is also durable, able to withstand harsh conditions, and can be easily sanitized. The Foldscope can be assembled in minutes without any special tools, making it accessible to users of all ages and skill levels.

Applications

The Foldscope has a wide range of applications in education, healthcare, and research. In educational settings, it serves as a hands-on tool for teaching students about microscopy and biology. In healthcare, it can be used for preliminary diagnosis of diseases in remote areas where traditional microscopes are not available.

Researchers have also used Foldscopes in various studies, including ecology and environmental science, to observe microorganisms in their natural habitats. The affordability and portability of the Foldscope make it a valuable tool for citizen science projects and community-based research.

Impact

The introduction of the Foldscope has had a significant impact on science education and public health in developing countries. By providing an inexpensive and accessible tool for scientific exploration, the Foldscope has empowered students and communities to engage in scientific inquiry and problem-solving.

Related pages

• Microscope
• Origami
• Frugal innovation
• Citizen science