Recently, Stanford researchers combined 3D printing with smartphones to create a smart phone-driven 3D printing microscope called LudusScope. They are trying to bring the basics of microbiology to children of all ages. It is understood, Ludusscope function is not as powerful as laboratory microscopes, but for children, it is a very wonderful toy. Ludusscope's 3D printing body uses the phone's camera and flash to perform the microscope's functions, allowing children to play a series of games and even explore some light-seeking microbes such as Euglena. This also reflects the name of the device, because Ludus has "play", "game" or "primary" meaning. Of course, in order to get a suitable view, a microscope eyepiece is necessary. Using a joystick, they can even change the direction of movement of the microorganisms and see the result through their cellphone camera. Ingmar Riedel-Kruse, an assistant professor of bioengineering, disclosed that they wanted to use LudusScope to fill the gap in interactive science education. "There are smart toys in many disciplines, such as engineering and programming, which children learn about, but the field of microbiology is lacking in this area." Riedel-Kruse said, "The initial idea for this project was to have on your phone Playing live games with living cells, but then it goes far beyond the original idea, allowing users to explore, measure and build their own devices. "Riedel-Kruse developed the toy with graduate student Honest Kim and their research The results have just been published in the PLoS ONE magazine, with other authors including Lukas C. Gerber, Daniel Chiu, Seung Ah Lee, Nate Cira and Sherwin Yuyang Xia. More importantly, the basic concepts of Ludusscope can be adapted for more purposes with smart phone software. They can even layer cell images with game-like programs that allow children to learn the basics of microbiology while playing. One game is even reminiscent of the classic Pac-Man, which has a labyrinth of white dots that need LED lights to guide. Another game is similar to a football game, guiding euglena through the goal post to score. Microbroscale bars, speed displays and rapid growth opportunities will also enable children to collect data on Eoclast behavior and biology. Riedel-Kruse even hopes teachers will be able to set up design courses where children try to recreate what they see in the CAD software. In fact, LudusScope's prototype was formed at Stanford's regular bioengineering course. Due to the complexity of its parts, Riedel-Kruse started to think of reducing it so that even high school students could interact with it. As 3D printers become more available in schools, teachers should be able to 3D print several open source models and combine those models with several APPs. In addition to the microscope lens, students only need a joystick controller. Euglena is commonly used in the classroom and is purchased through Bio Supply companies. Riedel-Kruse further believes that LudusScope is in complete accord with the new educational guidelines proposed by the Next Generation Science Standards and believes that building, observing, and interacting with cells, the modeling of cells will attract many Children of different ages "I think the interactive cellular stimulus and the resulting game is the coolest thing, but teachers and students do not necessarily agree with me." Riedel-Kruse at Stanford University website said, "What makes them even more excited is Some more basic things like the ability to build your own device where multiple people can see the screen at the same time and you can choose and track individual cells. " Unfortunately, LudusScope is not yet ready for use in the classroom. Riedel-Kruse is currently integrating feedback from teachers and students and has been allowed to work with an educational gaming company on more user research. In the coming year, they may develop a kit. Machinery Brackets ,Metal Brackets ,Metal Shelf Brackets,Steel Brackets Ningbo Metal Sharing Supply Chain Management Co., Ltd , https://www.sheetsharing.com
Researchers have developed a 3D printed smart phone microscope for use with children