A team of researchers from the University of California (USA) has developed a microscope capable of detecting bacteria using holograms , a three-dimensional laser photography technique.
The device can identify microorganisms in water, food and blood , the authors explain in the latest issue of the journal Biomedical Optical Express , including the more difficult bacteria outbreaks such as Escherichia coli , which caused the recent "cucumber crisis. ". And the images obtained can be uploaded to remote computers to thoroughly analyze the microbes.
The microscope has two modes of operation: the transmission mode, which can analyze liquid substances such as blood and water, and the reflection mode, which produces holographic images of denser surfaces, such as food. It also uses digital photosensors similar to those used in mobile phones such as the iPhone.
With a short training, doctors could use this device to improve health care in remote areas of the world that have little access to diagnostic equipment, the authors suggest.
