15 awesome images from the Catalyst Frame smartphone microscope

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The Catalyst Frame Microscope

The Catalyst Frame is a 3D printed microscope that hooks on to your smartphone or tablet so you can take science lessons with you anywhere.

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A portable smartphone microscope

The microscope was successfully crowdfunded on Kickstarter and Indiegogo.

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Compatibile with all devices

The microscope is compatible with all smartphones and tablets.

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Magnification

The microscope has a magnification of 30/50/170 or 30/170/340.

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Esophagus tissue

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Pine stem

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Panoramic pine stem

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Salt crystals

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Spleen tissue

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Sugar crystals

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Close-up of a quarter

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Jing Luo, creator

Luo has a background in molecular cell biology. He had the idea after talking to a friend who has trouble doing research in the field because of clunky, heavy microscopes.

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Prototypes

These are the four prototypes Luo made using various 3D printers. He wants to manufacture using the Form1+ desktop 3D printer.

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Small and versatile

The microscope is powered by two AAA batteries.

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Panoramic bee leg

Image: Catalyst Frame