Open-Source Lab (book)
The Open-Source Lab: How to Build Your Own Hardware and Reduce Research Costs by Joshua M. Pearce was published by Elsevier (2014). ISBN 9780124104624
The academic book is a guide, which details the development of free and open-source hardware primarily for scientists and university faculty.[1] It provides step-by-step instructions on building laboratory hardware and scientific instruments. It also provides instructions on digital design sharing, Arduino microcontrollers, RepRap 3D Printers for scientific use and how to use open-source hardware licenses. The Guardian discusses how ideas in the Open Source Lab could enable 3D printing to offer developing world scientists savings on replica lab kits.[2] The Open Source Lab book has been covered extensively by the media.[3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13] It was one of the top books chosen be Shareable for "New Books About Sharing, Cities and Happiness"[14]
Claims
The author, Joshua Pearce, claims the method enables researchers in every discipline to develop research tools at low costs following his previous research in open source hardware published in Science.[15][16] These claims have been generally supported by others using the techniques, such as those in the in DIY Bio community [17] While discussing the book in an interview with 3-D Printing Industry, Pearce has claimed to save thousands in his own lab.[18] and his various studies on the economics of printing lab equipment, such as a PLOS ONE article on open source optics have generally found over 90% savings.[19] A study on the use of 3D printing in this context cited this book as also being good for the environment.[20]
Uptake
Copies of Open-Source Lab were a prize in an Instructables "Build My Lab" Contest sponsored by Tekla Labs.[21]
Examples of open source labs and labs dedicated to producing open source hardware meant for scientific studies and analysis are now prolific as numerous research groups and non-profits have begun to open source lab equipment:
- Tekla Labs [22] - Tekla Labs is creating a library of open source DIY (do-it-yourself) documents that guide in the construction of quality lab equipment.
- Open Source Physiology Lab [23] - devoted to the collaboration and development of 3D printing physiology equipment
- Open Lab Tools [24] - U. of Cambridge - created open source microscope prototype that cost around US$800, whereas conventional microscopes cost between US$15,000 and US$80,000 [25]
- Open Neuroscience [26]
- Backyard Brains micromanipulator [27]
- Sensorica [28]
- Hackteria [29]
- Gnome X Scanning Microscopy [30]
- 3D printed scientific equipment in Africa [31]- “TReND in Africa” (Teaching and Research in Neuroscience for Development) is a higher education charity dedicated to improving university level science education and research in sub-Saharan Africa.
- DIYBioprinter [32]
External Links
- http://www.appropedia.org/Open-source_Lab : Hundreds of examples collected on book's Appropedia page
References
- ^ [1] P2P Foundation 12/28/2013
- ^ 3D printing could offer developing world savings on replica lab kit - The Guardian, Friday 21 February 2014 01.59 EST
- ^ MTU Prof Writes 3D Printing Guide For Scientists On A Budget - CBS 11-18-2013
- ^ DIY and Save: A Scientist's Guide to Making Your Own Lab Equipment - Science Daily 11-13-2013
- ^ Book Covers DIY Open-Source Hardware for Science Projects - Power Electronics
- ^ MTU Prof writes 3D printing guide to making your own low-cost lab equipment - 3Drs
- ^ How to build lab equipment with open-source hardware - Machine Design
- ^ 3D printing can reduce science lab equipment costs by 90% - Nanowerk
- ^ Kurzweil
- ^ 3D printing used to create a basement laboratory on the cheap - Geek
- ^ Ready Roundup: Microsoft 3D Builder, Open Source Lab, DMG Mori, and Victoria’s Secret - Rapid Ready Tech
- ^ Equip your lab for less - 3D print your equipment -Labonline
- ^ DIY Guide for 3D Printed Lab Equipment - 3D Printing Insider
- ^ Top 15 New Books About Sharing, Cities and Happiness - Shareable
- ^ Pearce, Joshua M. 2012. “Building Research Equipment with Free, Open-Source Hardware.” Science 337 (6100): 1303–1304.
- ^ How Scientists Can Cut Costs by Making Their Own Lab Equipment - Lab Manager - November 19, 2013
- ^ Science Counterculture: On taking DIYbio to the next level - The Scientist - December 9, 2013
- ^ 3D Printing Industry Interview with Dr. Joshua Pearce
- ^ Zhang C, Anzalone NC, Faria RP, Pearce JM (2013) Open-Source 3D-Printable Optics Equipment. PLoS ONE 8(3): e59840. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0059840 open access
- ^ Kreiger, M.(2013). Environmental Life Cycle Analysis of Distributed 3-D Printing and Conventional Manufacturing of Polymer Products. ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering.
- ^ http://www.instructables.com/contest/buildmylab/?show=PRIZES
- ^ Tekla Labs
- ^ Open Source Physiology Lab
- ^ Open Lab Tools
- ^ http://www.scidev.net/global/technology/multimedia/open-source-through-the-lens-of-a-microscope.html
- ^ Open Neuroscience
- ^ Backyard Brains micromanipulator
- ^ Sensorica
- ^ Hackteria
- ^ Gnome X Scanning Microscopy
- ^ 3D printed scientific equipment in Africa
- ^ DIYBioprinter