DNA-testing chip for smartphones

Scientists in Sweden have created a simple, 3D-printed microscope, which when attached to a smartphone can be used to analyze DNA.

The 3D-printed microscope attachment uses 2 LED lights and a special lens that magnify the image so researchers can view individual cells.

This allows them to analyze DNA chains and detect variants, telling them what form of cancer, bacteria or virus is involved.

It runs on the smartphone's internal battery, meaning it's not reliant on any external power source. The attachment can be manufactured for less than 500 dollars.

This kind of mobile DNA sequencing is a departure from big, expensive and complicated machines commonly used in labs. This raises the prospect of carrying out the same kind of analysis in remote areas or places where the technology is too costly.

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