[cheetahtech]

Here is the Ted Talk on the Microscope.

Its quite incredible.

http://www.ted.com/talks/manu_prakash_a_50_cent_microscope_t...

[gcb0]

So it is a lens, CR232 batteries, and a LED... and you are invited to use and throw it away with the battery? not very clever.

[dhaivatpandya]

I think this comment exemplifies the "HN negativity syndrome".

Completely disregarding the years of effort poured into developing a paper lens, etc., you simply dump the innovation into the "not very clever" pile?

[gcb0]

paper lens?! are you trying to signify the other side of HN that upvotes kickstarter links without even reading? :D

[dhaivatpandya]

See research paper: http://arxiv.org/abs/1403.1211

When I said "paper lens", I meant the idea of embedding the lens into the paper.

[tedsanders]

The battery is optional (slides can be backlit by holding the foldscope up to a room light or even the sun).

Throwing it away is optional (these foldscopes are quite durable).

I think your criticism can be applied to any consumer good, since all consumer goods eventually end up being thrown away.

[userbinator]

Did you mean s/clever/environmentally friendly/ ?