High on the list of world changing, Nobel prize winning inventions that nobody has heard of is the phase contrast microscope. This microscope uses some tricks that exploit changes in refractive index within a sample, allowing you to see details of cells that you generally can’t see without staining. The problem with staining cells is that it kills whatever you apply it to. Phase contrast microscopy made it possible to observe processes in living cells and improved our understanding of cell biology. In general, a phase contrast microscope gives you a much better image if you just want to look at really small biological things.

By Matt, Aidan, Derek, Jess & James. Each year the South Swindon Parish Council hosts a light trail at night though the Old Town Gardens. It’s a fun event where you get to walk though the gardens at night viewing different light installations from disco balls to multi-coloured arches and more. Back in the middle of September we approached the council with the concept of us making something for the light trail.

Stats:Made by: MattStatus: FinishedTools used: Dremel, Soldering Iron Introduction: So this was a project that I always had in reserve if I didn’t have many other projects. So when the world shut down I decided to give this a go. The aim was to grab an old portable boombox from the 90s and breathe new Read more about Member Project: Rebuilding a Retro Boombox[…]

Made by: Joe Status: Finished Tools used: Horizontal bandsaw, angle grinder, MIG welder. A rocket stove is a stove that uses small diameter wood as fuel, and burns incredibly efficiently without smoke. Primarily used in India and Sub-Saharan Africa due to the reduction in wood required, they also make great stoves for camping, or for Read more about Member Project: Rocket Stove[…]