Using a smartphone microscope to detect parasites in blood

[Omaha Steve]

This handout photo provided by Daniel A. Fletcher shows a Cellscope being used in an outdoor setting. Prick a finger and have the blood checked for parasites _ by smartphone? Scientists are turning those ubiquitous phones into microscopes and other medical tools that could help fight diseases in remote parts of the world. In the newest work, University of California, Berkeley, researchers used a smartphone-run video microscope to target a challenge in parts of Central Africa _ some devastating infections caused by tiny parasitic worms. (Daniel A. Fletcher, UC Berkeley via AP)

http://apnews.excite.com/article/20150506/us-med-healthbeat-smartphone-microscope-6ed647150b.html

By LAURAN NEERGAARD

WASHINGTON (AP) — Prick a finger and have the blood checked for parasites — by smartphone? Scientists are turning those ubiquitous phones into microscopes and other medical tools that could help fight diseases in remote parts of the world.

In the newest work, University of California, Berkeley, researchers used a smartphone-run video microscope to target a challenge in parts of Central Africa — some devastating infections caused by tiny parasitic worms.

A small pilot study in Cameroon showed the device could measure within minutes certain worms wriggling in a finger-prick of blood, rapidly identifying who is a candidate for an important medication — and who's at risk for a severe side effect from that drug.

If larger studies pan out, the so-called "CellScope Loa" could help revive a program to eliminate diseases that cause blindness and disability in the region, the team reported Wednesday in the journal Science Translational Medicine.

FULL story at link.

[Sherman A1]

1. K&R!

Superb!

[PADemD]

2. Bones (Star Trek) would be delighted.