Scientists from the Californian Institute of Technology have developed a high resolution microscope which is small enough to fit on a fingertip.

It uses “microfluidics” with a grid of CCD sensors — as used in digital cameras — to allow the liquid being analysed to be viewed in high magnification.

The chip needs to be illuminated from above, but sunlight is sufficient, meaning that it could provide a useful mobile solution for medical diagnosis in developing countries, as well as anywhere else…