A research team at UC Berkeley is developing a technology that will enable anyone, anywhere in the world, to diagnose malaria with just a cell phone and a special microscope. The cell phone microscope, called a CellScope, is designed to uncouple the need for a physician to be in the same place as a patient, allowing those who lack the benefits of health care to be properly diagnosed. A diagnosis is performed by putting a slide containing a blood or tissue sample on the Cell Scope.

A ring of bright LEDs illuminates the sample, and if faint blue dots appear, the patient is positive for malaria. The image can then be transmitted to medical experts for analysis and recommendations. The CellScope is also being developed to diagnose tuberculosis, said Wilbur Lam, a postdoctoral fellow in bioengineering who is part of the research team.

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