New technology may allow scientists to expedite the detection of parasites in blood by only needing a smartphone for screening, and may enable scientists to perform the tests out in the field. A smartphone microscope developed by U.C. Berkeley engineers “uses video to automatically detect and quantify infection by parasitic worms in a drop of blood.” Instead of using stains to spot the worms, the microscope uses motion sensors, and is said to be as accurate as other commonly used methods.
