Researchers from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center Publish New Studies and Findings in the Area of Microbiology and Biology Education (Igniting children's enthusiasm for microbes with an origami paper microscope).

A new report from researchers at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center highlights the importance of microbiology literacy, particularly in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. The researchers conducted an outreach event for children, introducing them to bacteria of clinical importance and using a smartphone-attachable paper-based foldable microscope to make microbes visible. A pre- and post-activity survey showed a statistically significant increase in the participants' interest in microbes and microscopy. The researchers suggest that affordable paper-based microscopes could be an effective tool for teaching clinical microbiology to a wide audience. [Extracted from the article]