Scientists create a high-resolution microscope from Lego and cheap lenses for smartphones

Taking advantage of the latest advances in smartphone technology and endless possibilities

Lego, scientists from Germany have created a cheap anda simple microscope with high resolution. Part educational tool and part toy, this full-featured scientific instrument is designed for more than just visualizing microscopic objects. The authors of the development note that it can be used to teach children.

Researchers from the universities of Göttingen andMünster (Germany) set themselves the task of improving access to high-resolution microscopes. The fact is that they are usually too expensive and fragile for home use.

When creating the microscope, scientists used modern smartphones that are equipped with very advanced lenses. The cost of one lens cost scientists only $ 5 apiece.

Then the scientists designed a frame for the microscope.high resolution using only Lego building blocks. The authors of the development emphasize that the capabilities of their device are close to that of modern research microscopes - with the help of it, images of micrometer-sized objects can be obtained.

Scientists have also prepared a guide toself-assembly of the device with step-by-step instructions. Children aged 9 years and older can handle the task. Plans and instructions for the microscope are freely available, and an article describing the research has been published in the journalThe Biophysicist 2021.

Read more

The largest comet in history is seen in the solar system: it is almost a planet

New method instantly turns carbon into graphene or diamonds

Found an inexpensive way to save the centers of megacities from overheating