The Foldscope is a fully functional microscope that can be laser- or die-cut out of paper for around 50 cents.
This bookmark-sized microscope can be assembled in minutes, includes no mechanical moving parts, packs in a flat configuration, is extremely rugged and can be incinerated after to safely dispose of infectious biological samples. With minor optics modifications, the microscope can be designed for brightfield, multi-flourescence or projection microscopy, or specialized to identify specific pathogens.
You can read more about this project on: A Killer Innovation: A Microscope that Fits in Your Shirt Pocket by Phil McKinney and on Foldscope web site.
