Friday 25 December 2015

Pocket-Size Device Converts Smartphone into a High-Powered Microscope



Have you ever wonder thought about the numerous microorganisms crawling 
within or around your kitchen counter? May be you'd like a close-up view of 
those dusty bunnies in your room.There is a new pocket-size device that can
assist you take a closer look at these household specimens.

A small, smartphone operated microscope,called μPeek, just attained its funding 
goal on Kickstarter.This device is attached to the rear of any smartphone (above 
the camera lens),just the size of a credit card and is controlled via an app,
making you view crystal-clear images of small objects and adjustment the 
microscope on your phone.

This high resolution microscope differs from any other magnifying lens for your smartphone," Patrick Galliker, co-founder and CEO of Scrona, the company 
behind μPeek, said in a Kickstarter video promoting the new device. 
The microscope is fitted with a motorized lens and sophisticated optical 
components — two things usually found on expensive (and relatively big) 
professional microscopes. [Gift Ideas for Kids: Best Educational Toys & Games of 2015

To use μPeek, mount the device on your phone and place it on any surface 
that you want to view on the microscopic level. You can look at the microcosm 
contained on the living room carpet or get a close view of a fallen leaf, 
for example. If you'd rather use μPeek to look at something on a microscope
slide, you can do that, too. The device comes with a standard-size slide 
holder and a set of blank slides, plus a guide that explains how to prepare 
specimens.


The company's Kickstarter video shows the device being used in a number
of ways, including a professional laboratory. Although μPeek does not look
like conventional microscopes, it can be very useful for real-life scientists,
Galliker explained in the video. In fact, the scope is very "simple and powerful"
that it will become a professional scientist's "first choice," he said.
And it is useful in other environments, as well.


The device's affordability —the standard μPeek is expected to retail for $159
 — and its small size make it a practical tool for science classrooms.
Since you can put μPeek in your pocket, it can also be used anywhere,
like out in the woods, or on the beach.
Scrona is also offering another version of the device, μPeek Blue, equipped
with UV lights so that it can be used as a fluorescence microscope.
The more advanced scope is expected to retail for $219.

While you can't go out and buy a μPeek just yet, Galliker said the device
will be available for purchase online during the second half of 2016.
So, get your specimens in-place.

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