MtA_BIOL2201_2026 - Using the Foldscope 2.0!
Apr 03, 2026 • 4:50 PM UTC
Canada
140x Magnification
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Aiyana
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Learning how to use the Foldscope 2.0 was super fun! I got to experiment with so many different samples, including nails, hair, yogurt, flower petals, saliva, and a green grape! I found that with each sample I used, I had to readjust everything and teach myself how to focus and navigate around again. I also experimented with different light sources, and different ways of preparing my samples to look at. For example, when looking at my yogurt, I used the regular clear stickers to prepare it, but I also tried using the black ring separator sticker too, to see if having more space for the yogurt would impact how I saw and focused on it.
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Figure 1. Yogurt as viewed under the Foldscope 2.0 with 140X magnification and zoomed in a bit on the phone to see the cells better. This was prepared using the clear stickers.
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Figure 2. Yogurt as viewed under the Foldscope 2.0 with 140X magnification and zoomed in a bit on the phone to see the cells better. This was prepared using the black ring sticker separator.
In terms of light differences, the previous two images were taken with an overhead light as a light source. Taking images of the grape cross section was difficult, since the grapes were so juicy. The cells were difficult to see. Focusing did not seem to be doing much. I decided to try something else, and wondered if using a phone flashlight may be another good light source. As pictured below, I could definitely see a lot more contrast with the phone flashlight.
In terms of light differences, the previous two images were taken with an overhead light as a light source. Taking images of the grape cross section was difficult, since the grapes were so juicy. The cells were difficult to see. Focusing did not seem to be doing much. I decided to try something else, and wondered if using a phone flashlight may be another good light source. As pictured below, I could definitely see a lot more contrast with the phone flashlight.
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Figure 3. Cross section of a grape viewed under 140X magnification on a Foldscope 2.0. Taken using an overhead light as a light source.
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Figure 4. Grape cross section viewed under 140X magnification on a Foldscope 2.0. This image was taken using a phone flashlight as a light source.
As you can see, there is more contrast and details in the second image, using the phone flashlight. Overall, the Foldscope 2.0 took a lot of fiddling around with, but I think I've got the hang of it now! This was a really cool project, and I love how accessible the Foldscope is making science. I am looking forward to looking at more things through the Foldscope!
As you can see, there is more contrast and details in the second image, using the phone flashlight. Overall, the Foldscope 2.0 took a lot of fiddling around with, but I think I've got the hang of it now! This was a really cool project, and I love how accessible the Foldscope is making science. I am looking forward to looking at more things through the Foldscope!
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