We already knew the multiple functions of the iPhone, but Apple probably had not planned to do a research tool for scientists. And yet ... In the wilds of Tanzania, doctors were able to create a microscope by combining their iPhone with a simple hand lens.
They sought to detect worms, causing a serious health problem affecting mainly children.
"This is the first time that this technology (simple) is used to diagnose intestinal parasites," said Dr. Isaac Bogoch, an infectious disease specialist at Toronto General Hospital (Canada) and lead author of the study published this week in the American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene.
Less accurate but very practical
In this clinical study, they examined samples of 199 children who came from the island of Pemba in Tanzania to test different treatments against intestinal parasites. Results, "iPhone-microscope" could diagnose infection with intestinal worms in 70% of samples by detecting eggs of these parasites.
If the iPhone microscope is not as sensitive as a small laboratory microscope (which costs about $ 200), these researchers believe that with a few adjustments, it might also be useful, especially in rural, remote and poor. For the benefit of this device is that it is inexpensive and quick to implement. In addition to eight dollars a magnifying glass, the researchers also used a flashlight to illuminate from below the stool sample contained in laboratory glass slides in order to photograph them. The set only cost $ 15, if we do not take into account the price of mobile phone.
0 comments:
Post a Comment