MICROSCOPY FOR EVERYONE

June, 2023

Did you know that there is a immense universe of cells in a single drop of water? We think the microscopy is one of the most thrilling and exciting experiences in Science, which could teach us more than we think.

We have organized several microscopy workshops, open to the university students but also our local communities. We have used origami microscopes, also known as FoldScope, a microscope developed by Prof. Manu Prakash and Jim Cybulski (Stanford Univ).

Together with members of the lab we have implemented several options for illumination including fluorescence and polarization.

Recently, we have designed and built a brand new microscope based on 3D printing. With less than 30 pieces you could build your own microscope which is equipped with a CCD with USB connection enabling to acquire pictures of the micro-universe that surrounding us.

Check below for more information.

MICROSCOPY WORKSHOPS

Biotechnology Program, UMayor 2020-2021
Saint Joseph School, 2020-2022
FECI, Explora RM Sur Poneniente 2021-2022
Feria Científica Cerro Navia, October 2022
School Estación Central, October 2022

The main idea is to close the microscopy to the public. For that we used simple tools, microscopes made of paper or 3D printed in our lab. The workshops could be focused to very young students, which in many times is the first time using a microscope, or to more advanced students. In the workshops we revised the basis of the microscopy, together some strategies to improve contrast such polarizer and color filters. Take a look of our on-line workshop during the COVID emergency and Micron, our first microscope made in the lab.

This initiative is partially funded by FONDECYT 1221064 (ANID) and supported by the PhD program in Integrative Genomics and CGB at Universidad Mayor.