# Microbial Arcade Games This Smartphone Microscope Game Lets Kids Play Pac-Man With Real Microbes By Rahul Kalvapalle | Published 2016-10-07 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/smartphone-microscope-game References: [newatlas](http://newatlas.com/ludusscope-microscopic-games/45810/) & [news.stanford.edu](http://news.stanford.edu/2016/10/05/stanford-bioengineers-microscope-features-interactive-microbes/) A group of scientists and engineers working out of [Stanford University](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/stareep) have developed a truly unique and utterly brilliant way to get children interested in the field of microbiology -- they developed a [DIY smartphone microscope](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/soolra) that allows users to control the movements of microbes in real time and use them to play a variety of games such as Pac-Man and arcade soccer. Nicknamed the LudusScope, this smartphone microscope allows users to peer into a miniature replica of a Pac-Man map for example that is filled with microbes. The environment features LEDs that, when activated, prompts the microbes to move. This allows for the creation of a game that involves using the smartphone microscope to play a fun game while learning about microbes and circuits, a great and engaging way to get kids thinking about microbiology. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 0.9/10 - Popularity: 4% | Activity: 15% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Gen Alpha, Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/games) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **DIY Smartphone Microscopes:** The DIY smartphone microscope trend allows for interactive learning experiences and gamification of scientific concepts. - **Microbiological Gaming:** Microbiological gaming fosters interest in microbiology through interactive and engaging gameplay experiences. - **Microbial Education:** Using microbes in educational tools and activities helps children learn about science in a hands-on and enjoyable way. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Education:** The education industry can incorporate DIY smartphone microscopes and microbiological gaming to enhance science learning experiences for students. - **Technology:** The technology industry can explore the development of more advanced smartphone microscopes to further facilitate interactive learning and gaming experiences. - **Gaming:** The gaming industry can leverage the microbiological gaming trend to create unique and educational games that combine entertainment with scientific knowledge. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Smart Toy Microscopes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/microscope-toy-for-kids.md) - [Connected Kid-Friendly Microscopes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/beaverlab-pro-microscope.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) - [All-in-One Digital Microscope Sets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/darwin-mx-pro.md) - [STEM Microscope Kits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/microscope-explorer-series.md) - [Mobile Magnification Tools](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/macroscope-2.md) - [Block Puzzle Microscope Sets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/functional-microscope.md) - [Augmented Reality Microscope Prototypes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/augmented-reality-microscope.md)