Gerry of the Mobile Libraries blog points to an article in the New York Times that describes new software that turns a cellphone into a microscope. This means that relatively inexpensive mobile phones can be used for identifying blood and other cells, and for screening for some diseases even though the person taking the sample is far from a hospital or a lab. According to the article, “the process creates holograms that can show, for example, a stained white blood cell” (above).
This is one of many new uses that are being invented for mobile devices in the new network society. (GW)
Far from a Lab? Tun a Cellphone into a Microscope | Mobile Libraries | Gerry | 7 November 2009
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I think this is a fascinating concept that could be utilized by the many organizations worldwide that are attempting to link medical services to people living in very rural and isolated areas. More than half the world’s population lives without the basics of connection including a public telephone or electricity. Researchers in Spain and Peru who are concerned about this problem are investigating different methods of telemedicine by helping to set up infrastructure that is often too expensive for the locals. Check out: ile/difusion/articulos/congresos_encuentros/Application of IEEE 802_11 technology for health isolated rural environments.pdf. I could imagine a sceanario of a rural individual using his/her cell as a microscope to send med data to clinics in large metro areas for diagnosis.
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