The article discusses the development of a DIY optical tweezer that utilizes recycled components from consumer electronics, specifically a DVD optical pickup and a USB webcam, to manipulate microscopic objects like beads and cells. This compact and cost-effective setup can achieve stable optical trapping and high-quality imaging, making advanced optical manipulation accessible for low-budget laboratories.

The article discusses the evolution of the electron microscope from its inception in the 1930s to its current advanced capabilities, which allow scientists to observe biological structures at atomic detail. It highlights key breakthroughs, including its application during the COVID-19 pandemic, while also addressing the limitations of electron microscopy in live cell imaging and specimen preparation.