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Whirligigs and Paperfuges

Alisha Hasler —

Over the last two weeks in STEM, some of the classes learned about the amazing invention of a bioengineer named Manu Prakash. He discovered that he could use the traditional whirligig toy as a more affordable and transportable alternative to a costly centrifuge that requires electricity. Spinning the paperfuge for a few minutes separates a blood sample into red blood cells, white blood cells, and plasma, making it possible to see and identify malaria-infected cells. By making this discovery he has been able to save millions of lives, especially in remote areas. Check out some of our awesome whirligigs!