Helping students access digital microscopes as learning tools

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How Microscopes went from Bulky Instruments to Elegant Apps

Understanding The History of the Microscope

Unless you work in a lab, you may not realize that you can download an iPhone microscope app. This app can be used to view extremely small objects in extreme detail on your smartphone. While an iPhone microscope app has a wide variety of applications, microscopes have traveled a long way to go from the science lab to our smartphones.

The first microscope was invented in 1590. Although we don’t know for sure who invented the first microscope, Hans Lippershey was the first to file a patent for it. The invention of the microscope changes the way that we see and understand the world.

As word of the microscope spread, the likes of Galileo and other notable philosophers and scientists began experimenting with it – exploring new possibilities. Eventually, Anthony Leeuwenhoek (a man from Holland) became interested in the possibilities of lenses while working with a magnifying glass. He used the glass to count threads in woven cloth and eventually became so interested he started making his own magnifying lenses. By grinding and polishing lenses, Leeuwenhoek improved the curvature of the lenses and was able to produce a magnification of 270 times.

This improved magnification soon led to the viewing of bacteria, yeast, blood cells, and small microorganisms swimming in water droplets. Because of this, Leeuwenhoek has often been called the Father of Microscopy. Just imagine if he could see an iPhone microscope app today. While a microscope app for iPhones or a microscope app for Android may have been unthinkable to these early pioneers, a lot of exciting innovation was still to come.

Next in the microscope scene is Robert Hooke, who spent much of his life refining microscopes to increase their capabilities. Because of the advances Hooke made in microscope technology, he is often referred to as the English Father of Microscopy.

Today we have everything from apps to handheld microscopes that give us access to observe a world once hidden. The observation of this hidden microscopic world has made incredible advances in many industries and sciences. Though you many not realize it, your life today would be very different were it not for some of the advances we have had because of microscope technology.

Advances Resulting from Microscope Technology

Microscopes allow us to view things in incredible detail. In fact, the only reason we know that some things exist is because of microscope technology. Before the invention of microscopes, disease was generally considered an act of God. When someone caught the black plague or another terrible disease, there was no visible reason for it. Microscopes helped us see this world of tiny little creatures and helped Louis Pasteur develop Germ Theory.

Germ theory eventually helped us develop practices in hospitals, such as washing hands and tools between procedures. These practices have saved millions of lives. Today, it seems strange to think that doctors didn’t wash scalpels and other tools in between patients because it was seen as a waste of time. Thank you microscopes!

If medicine isn’t enough of a way to see how microscopes have evolved, then consider chemistry. Chemistry deals with very, very small things. Some of them so small that even modern day microscopes cannot observe them yet. However, chemistry is used in our lives every day. Next time you drive your car to work or school that is chemistry at play. Heating up food in an oven? Thank you chemistry. The understanding of elements and molecules, helped by microscopes, has played an essential role in modern society.

Commoditizing Microscopes through Apps

Something really cool starts happening when you get a great technology into the hands of hundreds of thousands of people (for example an iPhone microscope app). As more and more people start using microscopes to look at things, incredible discoveries are made. The discoveries aren’t just made by professional scientists either! In fact, many “professional” scientists started out as enthusiasts who happened to make a discovery. The same thing is happening with smartphone microscope apps. As more and more people take to looking at the microscopic world, there are huge potentials for discoveries.

3 Factors to Consider When Buying Digital Microscopes

Microscopes have been a valuable tool for a long time — in fact, the first compound microscope was invented in the 1590s by Zacharias and Han Jansen. And today’s digital microscopes have evolved over time and offer several great benefits. But how do you choose the right microscope for your needs? Let’s explore a few important factors to keep in mind when looking for a microscope.

Camera power: One of the first things to consider is how powerful of a microscope camera you’re looking for — microscope cameras come in a range of MP options and many cameras can be equipped with video equipment as well. When considering camera power options, you should think about whether you need to upload the images to the Internet, what kind of resolution you’re looking for, and the image display power of any additional devices you’ll be using.

Software compatibility: The software that is used with the microscope allows the user to record, upload, and view the images captured by the microscope cameras. Because of this, it’s essential to ensure the digital USB microscope you choose works well with the software you are interested in. The microscope software will make the optimization process as simple as possible and ensure the varying factors, like magnification, illumination, and exposure, all work together as they should in order to produce the best images possible.

Lighting options: Lighting is one of the most important components of a good microscope. And fortunately, there are a lot of different lighting options to choose from — most microscopes have a light source that is built in and many lighting options use a halogen, tungsten, LED, or fluorescent bulb. It’s up to the user to decide which lighting option is best, as they all have pros and cons. But it’s important to choose a microscope that can be equipped with your desired light source.

Choosing a microscope is not an option that should be rushed, as it is a large investment. So keep these considerations in mind, choose a reputable seller, and you’ll have the perfect microscope for your needs in no time.

Microscopes And Telescopes: What Makes Them Different?

Our ability to advance is unbelievable when you consider the scope of the human race. Science, in particular, has progressed at an incredibly fast rate; from the discovery of bacteria in 1683 to the remarkable handheld digital microscope cameras we have today, we seem to have no limits.

Microscopes and telescopes are proof of our capabilities — both have allowed us to see unimaginable things through magnification. However, they do it in very different ways. Let’s take a look at the two key differences between microscopes and telescopes.

• Focal Length: Despite the fact that microscopes and telescopes technically perform the same function, they are built differently. Focal length is defined as “the distance between the center of a convex lens or a concave mirror and the focal point of the lens or mirror — the point where parallel rays of light meet, or converge.” Telescopes have objective lenses that produce long focal lengths while microscopes possess the opposite. As a result, the image produced by telescopes is often quite small, while that produced by microscopes is much larger.
• Lens Diameter: If you’ve ever actually seen a telescope in person, you’ll know that they’re quite large devices. This is because they require lenses that are big enough to absorb as much light as possible; since the vast majority of space is extremely dark, only by gathering as much light from the source (a.k.a., a star, astronomical body, or other phenomena) can the object be illuminated. Microscopes come with a built-in artificial light source for the same purpose; because the object being viewed is literally onhand, it can just illuminate it from behind. This means the lens does not have to be nearly as big.

It is precisely because of these differences that we are able to continue to progress and advance scientifically: digital USB microscopes allow the average person the ability to perform their jobs more efficiently, and telescopes have made seeing the unseeable –for example, black holes — possible. Though it’s hard to imagine where we will go next, we will always be moving forward.

If you’re interested in owning a digital USB microscope of your own, call Dino-Lite at 888-668-2442 today.

Digital Microscopes and the Benefits they Provide

Invented in the 16th century, the very first microscopes were used to study insects, and they were nicknamed ‘flea glasses’. Microscope cameras have come a long way since they were were invented for studying insects. Referred to then as “flea glasses”, industrial microscopes have pulled off some amazing feats in current days. What started out as simple magnification of commonly seen bugs, has turned into an important aspect of many different scientific fields. The most powerful telescope has the ability to make images to a resolution of half the width of a hydrogen atom. We have come a long way from looking at fleas in a field.

When the first people who made the early models of the microscope used their new invention, they were focused on getting a better look at things that they could see with their eyes, just with more detail. Microscope cameras today possess the power to capture insects in high definition picture now. Technology today truly allows people to get very up close and personal with their subjects.

A digital microscope is made by integrating a camera into the microscope and eye pieces are not necessary for a functional inspection microscope. An image of the sample is observed and analyzed directly on an electronic monitor display. The most obvious advantage of digital microscopes, like the dino-lite microscope, is the ergonomics of the instrument. Because the image of the sample is displayed on a monitor, users are able to view them immediately and analyze the sample image using software while sitting in a comfortable and relaxed upright position. The ease of access has transferred to your computer as well. Models of a USB microscope camera are available for you to connect in the comfort of your own home. Images found in your digital microscope can be captured and saved and included software allows for making measurements and adding annotations to captured microscopy images.

The powerful computers that power the microscope camera is where the magic begins. Optic lenses provided scientists with reliable microscopic technology for a long time, but with the way that digital microscopes can expand and show real time images while adding light to what would normally be darker areas, the advancements have only proven to propel the research results forward from what was previously possible. Images can be measured in both 2D and 3D, and displayed as 3D images. These technologies allow people to observe the visual progression of a subject’s life cycle and observe a specimen over an extended period of time. Also, since all data is being stored on a computer, it can all be stored and organized for later use.

The world of microscopy was changed with the advancing technologies of digital microscope cameras. It provides a much easier observation platform than what was available in the past as well as easy storage options for many different subjects. The digital microscopes are also much cheaper than high-end professional equipment, truly allowing students and hobbyists to further immerse themselves into the microscopy landscape.

Handheld Digital Microscopes: A Closer Look

The invention of the microscope profoundly altered and advanced our understanding of the universe and our place in it. But its history is a bit murky. We know that the first microscope was invented in 1590, but who invented it is unclear. The first patent on record came from Hans Lippershey, but historians note that other evidence suggests the invention was by Hans and Zacharies Janssen. The father and son team of the Janssens made spectacles and lived close to Lippershey.

The Dino-Lite handheld digital microscope is a portable microscope comprised primarily of a microscope camera, the lens, and built-in lighting. This mini handheld microscope is designed to connect to a computer or display. When used in this way, the images seen via the microscope’s lens can be viewed on a computer monitor. The images can be saved to the computer’s hard drive for later access.

Digital microscopes are used widely in science and research work. The Dino-Lite and its array of accessories are used by myriad industries, such as medical, manufacturing, aerospace, defense, education, and jewelry. They can be found in art galleries for restoring artifacts, in the clothing industry for determining fiber quality, in the dentist’s office to get a closer look at patients’ teeth, in veterinarians’ offices for diagnosing and treating pets. Horticulturists use them to conduct research on insects and plant diseases, while law enforcement organizations use them for forensic analysis and spotting forged documents. Dermatologists employ them to identify and pinpoint skin issues and audiologists use them to get a better look at the inner ear.

Leaders in various professions point to the advantages of using a small digital microscope rather than a traditional microscope. The digital microscope allows for saving and printing images. It also allows presenters to display the image from the microscope on computer screens, so several team members can view the image concurrently. Teachers use these microscopes for a similar reason: the whole of the class can view the image together as it’s projected onto a screen.

Dino-Lite’s handheld microscope is easy to incorporate into a workspace as it is compatible with most widely-used software. It’s a small way to view a vast world.

Digital Microscopy Changes The Diagnostic Game In Developing Nations

The microscope has been one of the most important medical tools since its invention in the 16th century; by allowing scientists to visibly see bacteria and any damage that may have occurred, diagnosing ailments — from infection to disease — was exponentially easier. Since a clear diagnosis is crucial to treatment, and therefore recovery, microscopes have played a vital role in saving millions of lives.

Technology has changed since that first invention, allowing for the creation of digital microscopes and hand microscopes; these have multiple applications in a variety of fields, including industrial. The digital hand microscope, however, has been particularly influential in countries like Kenya.

Due to the fact that we live in such an advanced nation, it can be difficult to consider the hardships of others. Americans have access to sophisticated medical equipment, sensitive medicines, and some of the best doctors the world has to offer. Unfortunately, there are a number of developing nations — like Kenya — that simply don’t have the funds or facilities required to obtain these luxuries for themselves.

The African country suffers from overpopulation and poor water and waste management, which has resulted in a high incidence and prevalence of water- and sanitation-related diseases. Microscopes would go a long way in the treatment of these bacterial diseases, but the limited available physical space and cost implications of having a light microscopy and trained laboratory technologist at each site have made the achievement impossible.

Portable digital hand microscopes, however, are very user-friendly and its captured images can be shared, stored, and analyzed across digital platforms. This would allow clinicians at every facility to send their findings to a remote lab technician for analysis, drastically improving efficiency by removing the time required to physically transport specimens between locations. Handheld digital microscopes also create better quality control by allowing images to be saved for future reference.

There’s no doubt that handheld microscopes are in the process of changing the world. Whether industrial workers are using inspection microscopes to examine the intricacies of machines or doctors in foreign countries are diagnosing illnesses, the digital microscope has utterly improved our lives.

A Look at Microscopes and Smartphone Cameras

When microscopes were invented, they changed the way people saw the world both around and within them. In a lot of ways, smartphones have done the same thing. Even before iOS and Android microscope apps were developed, the technology changed the way we live our lives.

Before going into the connection between smartphones and microscopes, it is worth taking a look at how microscopes were game changers in human life. In 1590, the first microscope was developed. While it is unclear who is actually responsible, the first patent for a telescope was filed by Hans Lippershey.

The first observations made with a microscope were made by Francesco Stelluti, an Italian scientist, in 1625. The first hand drawings of bacteria were made possible by this invention. Antoine van Leeuwenhoek, a Dutch scientist, made them in 1683. At first, microscopes were used to look at insects but they also allowed scientists to discover cells. This changed the way we view the human body and science in general.

Using smartphones as microscopes started much earlier than the advent of the best Android microscope app. Before scientists used smartphones as microscopes, there were digital microscopes. And the first smartphone to be used as a microscope was an iPhone. Researchers took an iPhone, some rubber, tape, and a small glass ball and created a powerful microscope. This rudimentary microscope was able to capture images of red blood cells. The same researchers were also able to turn it into a device that could be used to read a person’s vital signs.

At the time, University California at Davis physicist, Sebastian Wachsmann-Hogiu, remarked that he was surprised by how cellphones could be transformed into research-grade tools and equipment. Cellphones also allowed people using them to record and share the images they captured. One other feature of using cellphone technology as laboratory equipment is the size. Regular laboratory equipment can be large and bulky. This makes it hard to travel with.

Today, iOS and Android microscope apps can take all of the work out of transforming a smartphone into high-powered laboratory tools and equipment. In fact, the camera on a smartphone can be used for a lot more tasks than just those handled by industrial microscopes. Here are some of the other things you can do with your smartphone:

• Measure height, speed, and distance. There are a number of apps for both iOS and Android that can take measurements of heights, speeds, and distances. All you need to do is take a photo with a smartphone and, voila! Your measurements can be taken.
• Learn more about the photos you take. Want to know more about a historic spot or famous picture? Take a picture of it and then do a Google search and you can get more information than you ever thought possible. You can do the same with QR codes or products you want to buy.
• A smartphone can do your math homework. There is no need to claim your dog ate your homework when your phone can do it for you. Just snap an image and use an app to get the solution.
• Look at tiny things. As was mentioned earlier, using your phone and an iOS or Android microscope app, you have a powerful microscope or magnifying glass with you all of the time.
• You can cash your checks. More and more banks are allowing deposits from apps on your smartphone. All you need to do is open the app, take a picture of the front and back of your check, and the money will appear in your account within minutes.

There is no question that technology has changed the world in a number of wonderful ways. Microscopes changed how much of the world around us an in us that we can see. This changed the way we view ourselves and everything else. Microscopes led to scientific and medical breakthroughs that have saved many millions of lives all over the world.

Cellphone technology has changed the way we communicate, do business, and get around. By combining techniques such as the microscope with smartphones, new iOS and Android microscope apps can take it all a step further. These two inventions continue to change the world and the way we live in it.

6 Industries That Utilize USB Inspection Microscopes

Scientists estimate that the human body contains anywhere from 75 to 100 trillion cells. Obviously, these cells aren’t visible to the naked eye, and can only be seen through some of the most innovative and high-tech inspection microscopes.

Now, thanks to some top-of-the-line technology, microscopes can come equipped with USB compatibility and digital software, making them easy to integrate into all kinds of workspaces. From education and aerospace to pharmaceutical and manufacturing, here are some of the applications for USB microscope cameras:

• PCB microscopes — PCB industry professionals use inspection microscopes built with Polarizers to capture images under polarized light with clarity. These microscopes offer the highest level of both measurement and accuracy, and can also significantly reduce operator fatigue and stress over long examination periods.
• Medical and laboratory microscopes — Medical professionals rely on microscope cameras in order to examine patients, educate patients and peers, inspect blood and tissue samples, and document microscopic findings. The USB microscope cameras can be paired with the majority of Electronic Medical Records (EMR) software, as well
• Industrial microscopes — Polarized lighting can be used to reduce glare and eliminate hot spots from reflective surfaces when inspecting microscopic components within the industrial sector. This polarization feature helps provide uniform illumination, subsequently bringing out more accurate surface details with minimal glare.
• Forensic science microscope — The forensic science industry utilities microscopes to view objects in order to share results with industry colleagues. They can also document and store all the information they find across a digital network. Additionally, these inspection microscopes can be used for all kinds of scientific categories, including geology, archaeology, paleontology, mineralogy, and more.
• Educational microscopes — From using microscopes for teaching tools to field, lab, and educational research, the educational community needs top-of-the-line quality microscopes for inspection.
• Jewelry and collectables — Inspection microscopes are essential tools for jewelry, coin, and other collectors. These tools allow professionals to thoroughly examine stones, inspect for repairs, and assist in the appraisal process.

If you want to find or learn more about USB microscopes, contact Dino-Lite right away.