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2024 (189 points, 20 comments) https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=42115243

2021 (113 points, 39 comments) https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=27216452

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Fun old project but the technology has improved[0] since then.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MgQbPdiuUTw

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I don't work in hardware, but projects like this are inspiring. Taking something expensive and specialized and making it accessible with open designs.

The WHO recognition for low-resource settings is the kind of impact that matters.

The core of a microscope are the lenses. For this, you are required to buy three different ones [1]. One of these can be acquired from Thorlabs for 65 USD [2].

How difficult would it be to build lenses of this quality "at home"?

[1] https://build.openflexure.org/openflexure-microscope/v7.0.0-...

[2] https://www.thorlabs.com/item/AC127-050-A

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Amazing and possibly related:

https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=46771881

If you have a 3d printer, I think one of the most practical things you can do is make UC2 cubes (or just buy them). It's simpler to print, a bit more flexible, and a good introduction to the various technologies.

Another 3D printed microscope https://github.com/TadPath/PUMA looks very interesting too.