Smartphone Microscope Revolutionizes Diagnosis of Neglected Tropical Diseases

by Rosa August 4, 2019

written by Rosa August 4, 2019

Smartphone Microscope Detects Parasites in Blood

A team of engineers at the University of California, Berkeley, has developed a smartphone microscope called CellScope that can detect parasites in blood samples in just minutes. This breakthrough could revolutionize the diagnosis of neglected tropical diseases such as onchocerciasis and lymphatic filariasis, which affect millions of people in developing countries.

How CellScope Works

CellScope is a small, portable device that attaches to a smartphone. It uses a combination of LED lights, microcontrollers, and a USB port to process blood samples. The phone’s camera then takes a series of videos of the blood sample, which are analyzed by an algorithm to detect the movement of parasites.

Unlike traditional Loa loa diagnosis, which requires a lab and a trained technician, CellScope can be used by anyone, anywhere. This is especially important in rural areas where access to conventional medical care is limited.

Benefits of CellScope

CellScope offers several benefits over traditional diagnostic methods:

Fast: CellScope can provide results in less than 3 minutes, compared to days for traditional methods.
Accurate: CellScope’s algorithm is highly accurate at detecting parasites, even in low concentrations.
Portable: CellScope is small and lightweight, making it easy to transport to remote areas.
Affordable: CellScope is relatively inexpensive to produce, making it accessible to communities with limited resources.

Applications of CellScope

CellScope has the potential to be used for a variety of applications, including:

Diagnosing neglected tropical diseases: CellScope can be used to diagnose onchocerciasis, lymphatic filariasis, and other neglected tropical diseases that are transmitted by parasites.
Detecting Loa loa infection: CellScope can detect Loa loa infection, which can be fatal if treated with ivermectin, a drug used to treat onchocerciasis and lymphatic filariasis.
Diagnosing non-parasitic diseases: CellScope could also be used to diagnose non-parasitic diseases, such as tuberculosis, in areas where traditional microscopes are scarce.

Future of CellScope

The developers of CellScope hope to expand its use to diagnose other diseases and to make it even more affordable and accessible. They are also working on developing a version of CellScope that can be used to diagnose diseases in animals.

CellScope has the potential to revolutionize the diagnosis of infectious diseases in developing countries. Its speed, accuracy, portability, and affordability make it an ideal tool for improving global health.

Additional Information

Rosa

Rosa is a distinguished software engineer whose passion for science and technology was kindled in her early childhood. Growing up in a household where academic curiosity was nurtured, Rosa was deeply influenced by her father, a dedicated physics professor. After long days at the university, her father would come home and engage Rosa in a world of scientific exploration, guiding her through various experiments and fostering a profound love for the intricacies of the physical world. From a young age, Rosa was captivated by the endless possibilities that science presented. She spent countless hours conducting experiments and learning the fundamental principles of physics. This early exposure to scientific inquiry not only honed her analytical skills but also instilled in her a relentless curiosity and a passion for problem-solving. Rosa's academic journey led her to pursue a degree in Computer Science, where she excelled in her studies, driven by the same enthusiasm that had characterized her childhood experiments. She graduated with honors, earning a Bachelor's degree from a prestigious university. Her academic achievements were marked by numerous accolades and scholarships, reflecting her dedication and exceptional talent in the field. In her professional career, Rosa has made significant contributions to the tech industry. She has worked for several leading technology companies, where she has been instrumental in developing innovative software solutions that have had a substantial impact on various sectors. Her expertise lies in designing and implementing complex algorithms, optimizing system performance, and ensuring the reliability and scalability of software applications. Beyond her technical prowess, Rosa is a strong advocate for women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). She actively participates in mentorship programs, guiding young women who aspire to pursue careers in technology. Rosa believes in the power of education and the importance of providing equal opportunities for all, and she dedicates her time to speaking at conferences and workshops to inspire the next generation of female engineers. In her personal life, Rosa continues to embrace her scientific roots. She enjoys spending her free time experimenting with new technologies, reading scientific journals, and engaging in discussions about the future of technology. Rosa's journey from a curious child conducting experiments to a successful software engineer is a testament to the power of early exposure to science and the enduring influence of a supportive and intellectually stimulating environment.