Did you learn anything from our article on how to turn your smartphone into a microscope? If not then follow this link to get the instructions. After making a well performing microscope maybe it is time to go a little bit complex and venture into a machine that can make copies of your DNA. No, it’s not really complex as you will require less than 5 hours to do this with materials you can easily find around.
A DNA sequencing machine is basically a PCR or rather a Polymerase Chain Reactor. PCRs are used in a number of biological researchers and forensic investigations to amplify DNAs e.g. those collected at crime scenes. A Typical PCR costs roughly $10,000 but Russell Durrett has devised a simpler, cheaper and quicker method that can let you have your own PCR.
What you need:
- PVC pipes
- A 150-watt lightbulb
- A computer fan
- Acheap microcontroller
- A few reagents
Image courtesy of PopSci
This video shows you step by step method of assembling your materials.
PopSci has summarized the procedure for you here.
Have fun expanding your home based science lab.
