A handheld centrifuge/'>centrifuge that costs only 20 cents? Yes, you read that right. Researchers at Stanford University have created a simple yet incredibly functional device that can separate liquids of different densities using centrifugal force. This invention is a game-changer for low-resource settings, where traditional centrifuges are too expensive and large to use.

The device, aptly named "Paperfuge," is made of paper, string, and plastic. It weighs less than an ounce and can generate forces of up to 30,000 Gs, which is comparable to expensive lab-grade centrifuges. It works by spinning a fluid sample in a circular motion, causing the denser components to move towards the bottom, while the lighter ones stay on the top.

The beauty of Paperfuge lies in its simplicity. The device is made by cutting out two paper circles and layering them on top of each other. A piece of string is then wound around the layers and pulled to spin the device. The paper layers create a disc-shaped chamber that holds the fluid sample.

The Paperfuge is not only cheap to make, but it's also easy to use. It has been tested with both blood and saliva samples and has shown to be just as effective as a traditional centrifuge. The Paperfuge has the potential to revolutionize healthcare in low-resource settings, where traditional centrifuges are too expensive or too bulky to carry around.

The invention of the Paperfuge was inspired by the ancient toy, the whirligig. The researchers from Stanford wanted to create a solution for countries that lack the infrastructure and resources to perform common medical tests. With the Paperfuge, medical professionals can easily separate plasma from blood in just 1-2 minutes, which is crucial for diagnosing diseases like malaria and HIV.

The potential applications of the Paperfuge are vast, not just in healthcare but in other fields, such as chemistry and biology. Its low cost and ease of use make it an ideal tool for scientists and researchers in different areas of study. The device has already garnered attention from scientists and entrepreneurs around the world who are interested in mass-producing the Paperfuge for commercial use.

In conclusion, the Paperfuge is a remarkable invention that proves that sometimes simplicity is the best solution. The device is made of everyday materials and costs only 20 cents to produce, yet it has the potential to save lives in low-resource settings. It's inspiring to see how creativity and innovation can lead to significant breakthroughs in science and technology. The Paperfuge is proof that even the smallest ideas can make a big impact in the world.