Buzz
Today, nearly everyone carries a powerful computer in their pocket. Smartphones keep us constantly connected to an unparalleled wealth of information. Scientists have noticed this, and they've come up with some innovative ways to harness these devices to make a real difference in the world.
10. Monitoring Pollution
Researchers from the University of California have designed a compact smartphone attachment for tracking air pollution. The system works through an app called CitiSense, which gathers data from sensors and visualizes the air quality. This enables not only those with the sensors but also other users to access the information. For example, individuals with asthma can check if they should avoid a particular area that day. It also allows scientists to monitor pollution in greater detail. In San Diego, where initial trials were conducted, there are only 10 traditional pollution monitoring stations. The researchers argue that if just 100 of the 3.1 million residents in the area used the device, it would provide an invaluable amount of data that otherwise would be impossible to collect.
9. Portable Microscopes
Scientists at UCLA have developed a portable microscope capable of imaging a single virus. This device attaches to the back of a smartphone and is designed for use in areas where traditional laboratory equipment is not available. One of its key uses is to assess viral loads in patient samples, enabling doctors in remote regions to monitor the effectiveness of treatments.
Engineers at Berkely have created a slightly less powerful microscope, designed for both field research and educational purposes. They believe the devices could be valuable for the wider community, especially in science classrooms. To test its potential, they distributed several units to schoolchildren. The kids used the devices to capture images from their everyday surroundings and added annotations directly on their smartphones. The creators hope that this innovation could become a staple in science education.
8. Earthquakes
Modern smartphones are equipped with a MEMS accelerometer, a device that helps determine the orientation of the phone's screen. Seismologists at Italy’s National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology have leveraged the MEMS chip from iPhone 4 and 5 models to measure seismic activity. The concept is to turn smartphones into a global network of seismometers, enabling emergency teams to quickly locate the epicenter of an earthquake and dispatch resources more effectively. Previous studies have shown that the accelerometers can distinguish between earthquake tremors and regular movements, such as running.
Other researchers aim to use this technology to develop an early warning system for earthquakes. By gathering data from a large number of phones, scientists could predict where an earthquake might strike and send alerts to users with the app. Earthquake early warning systems have been proven to save lives, making smartphones an affordable and efficient way to bring this life-saving technology to regions that lack the infrastructure for traditional hardware.
7. Medical Attachments
The computing power available through smartphones is being used to assist doctors in areas without access to labs or hospitals. One of the major health challenges in developing countries is poor eyesight. Refractive eye issues, which can be easily corrected with glasses, affect billions of people and can lead to difficulties with reading and writing, exacerbating poverty. While glasses are relatively inexpensive—around $3 per pair—eye exams have been a significant barrier. MIT scientists have developed a device that attaches to a smartphone. Users place the device near their eye, and lasers are used to diagnose the condition and determine the necessary correction. The device costs only $2 to produce and has the potential to greatly improve the lives of many people.
Sight is just one of many health conditions that can be assessed using smartphone attachments. Ear infections, kidney function, and food allergens can all be tested with current smartphone add-ons. Additionally, smartphones have become the foundation of affordable portable ultrasound imaging systems, enabling doctors and midwives in developing regions to provide essential care that was once out of reach.
6. Weather Prediction
Tracking weather patterns via satellites can present a challenge, as it’s difficult to distinguish between snowy landscapes and cloud cover from space. To address this, an iOS app called SatCam has been created. The app alerts users when a weather satellite is passing overhead. The user then captures two photos: one looking straight up and one of the horizon. Developed by researchers at the University of Wisconsin, SatCam has already contributed thousands of images to aid in weather prediction. As a token of appreciation, users receive a satellite image of their location when the satellite passed. Unfortunately, the resolution isn’t high enough to spot individuals in the photo.
5. Field Data Collection
The Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology at Imperial College London has developed an app called EpiCollect, which helps scientists in the field collect data more efficiently. Veterinarians in East Africa used the app to gather information on 86,000 animals in just one month, using only 23 Android devices donated by Google. Those involved in the project noted that using smartphones improved access to real-time data, which they believe will be key in preventing disease outbreaks.
In another initiative focused on rabies, EpiCollect was used to track the locations of 60,000 dogs vaccinated over the course of just a few weeks. The location of each vaccination was marked on Google Maps, enabling a team of 500 people to efficiently track their progress and target areas with the highest need.
4. Smartphone Satellite
Two separate projects have launched smartphones into orbit around Earth. In February, Surrey Space Center in the UK sent a Google Nexus One into space as part of a satellite called STRaND-1. The mission aims to test and demonstrate the use of affordable consumer technology in space. It also engages the public with an app called Scream In Space, which plays videos submitted online while in orbit.
A few months after STRaND-1, NASA launched its own phone-based satellite into orbit. Their objectives are similar to those of the UK project, with both encouraging amateur radio operators worldwide to track their satellites. The camera on NASA’s PhoneSat (also a Nexus) has been used to capture images of Earth. At a cost of just $7,000 to build, these satellites are a fraction of the price of traditional space missions, which typically exceed $1 million.
3. Cloud Computing
Science generates vast amounts of data, and processing it requires significant computing power. One way to handle this is by distributing the task across many computers. To make use of the computing power from the billions of Android devices worldwide, computer scientists developed an app called BOINC. This app utilizes a phone’s processing power when it's idle and charging—such as when plugged in overnight.
One of the projects leveraging BOINC is FightAIDS@Home, which is working to develop new treatments for the HIV virus. It is part of IBM’s World Community Grid project, which also uses idle desktop and laptop computers. Renting time on a supercomputer can cost over $1,000 per hour, so this alternative helps researchers accomplish more at a fraction of the cost. One study focused on a tropical disease expects to reduce its research time from 30 years to just one year by utilizing the smartphone network.
2. Studying Happiness
Psychologists and computer scientists at Cambridge University have teamed up to create an app designed to study how our moods work and ultimately help people live happier lives. The app, called EmotionSense, regularly checks in on users’ moods while also collecting data on their location, text messaging habits, and general phone usage. By analyzing this information, researchers can better understand the link between behavior and emotional states. The app also provides valuable insights for people dealing with stress and offers constant monitoring of a user’s well-being, which would typically not be available during therapy sessions.
1. Crowdsourcing Science
The widespread use of smartphones has given scientists a unique opportunity to tap into the power of the general public for data collection. One of the key areas where people can contribute is wildlife monitoring, with apps available to track everything from tree species to invasive animals and bird populations. NASA has also developed an app that allows users to gather data on meteor showers, including details like the time, location, and brightness. This data is then sent to experts for analysis, while the app keeps amateur astronomers informed about the best times and places to observe shooting stars.
