# Touch-Table Microscopes Researchers Create the World's First Multitouch Microscope By Michael Hines | Published 2011-03-30 | Unique Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/multitouch-microscope References: [gizmag](http://www.gizmag.com/multitouch-gesture-controlled-microscope/18239/) & [fimm.fi](http://www.fimm.fi/en/) Researchers from the Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM) have created the world's first multitouch microscope. The multitouch microscope has a 46-inch screen and has been called an "[iPad](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/video-magnifier) on steroids" by FIMM's own Dr. Johan Lundin. The "iPad on steroids" can magnify images up to 100 times using a simple swipe of the hand. The researchers over at FIMM think that the multitouch microscope could be extremely useful for teaching purposes, as conventional high-powered microscopes can have quite a steep learning curve. I am no scientist, but I am still intrigued by FIMM's new microscope. The day may not be far off when we can use our [smartphones and MP3 players as microscopes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/martvsen-magstack) to see what's going on inside of ourselves. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.3/10 - Popularity: 21% | Activity: 40% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Unique](https://www.trendhunter.com/unique) > [Inventions](https://www.trendhunter.com/inventions) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Multitouch Microscopes:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: The development of multitouch microscopes could revolutionize the field of microscopy by making it more user-friendly and accessible. - **Teaching Microscopy:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Multitouch microscopes could enhance the teaching of microscopy by simplifying the learning process and engaging students with interactive features. - **Mobile Microscopes:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: The advancement of microscopes in consumer electronics such as smartphones and MP3 players could allow individuals to explore the microscopic world in everyday life. ### Where This Applies - **Education:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Multitouch microscopes can be utilized in educational institutions to enhance the teaching of microscopy and scientific concepts. - **Biotechnology:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Multitouch microscopes can be applied in the field of biotechnology for research, diagnostics, and analysis, revolutionizing the way microscopic images are observed and interpreted. - **Consumer Electronics:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: The integration of microscope capabilities in consumer electronics could create new opportunities for the smartphone and MP3 player industry, offering unique functionalities to attract consumers. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Mobile Magnification Tools](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/macroscope-2.md) - [Transformational Cell Phone Tools](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cell-phone-tools.md) - [Supplemental Smartphone Lens Microscopes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/imicro-q3.md) - [Detachable Display Digital Microscopes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/beaverlab-darwin-m2.md) - [All-in-One Digital Microscope Sets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/darwin-mx-pro.md) - [Connected Kid-Friendly Microscopes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/beaverlab-pro-microscope.md) - [Smart Toy Microscopes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/microscope-toy-for-kids.md) - [Tablet-Based Video Magnifying Tools](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/video-magnifier.md) - [Screen-Equipped Computer Peripherals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/magic-mouse-touch.md)