DIY Life

We all like microscopes, don't we? Remember those days in junior high when you could see animal and plant cells up close? To some of us, that moment was the one where we came to see that the world is a small place, not really a big one.

If you'd like to revisit those days -- or just examine some of the new U.S. currency under a small lens (heh), this USB microscope project (parts below) would make for a splendid addition to a nearby weekend slice of free time. It's not the highest resolution microscope, but for how you can build it and what it contains, it's darn impressive. Parts cost: estimated at under $100. If you already have a webcam you can sacrifice, the cost is way cheaper.

Here is the list:

• 1 radioshack pocket scope
• 1 white led
• 1 logitech notebook pro quickcam (zeiss lens)
• 30 awg wire
• heatshrink or black tape
• hotglue gun (or whatever appropriate glue your prefer)

Once you follow the steps outlined here, you'll have those close-up images sitting on your laptop or desktop PC screen in no time. Then, get busy examining those various items on your computer desk and have fun, will ya?