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Manu Prakash
Manu Prakash
Manu Prakash
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Manu Prakash is an Indian scientist who is a professor of bioengineering at Stanford University. Manu was born in Meerut, India. He is best known for his contributions to the Foldscope[1] and Paperfuge.[2] Prakash received the MacArthur Fellowship in September 2016. He and his team at Stanford University have developed a synchronous computer that operates using the physics of moving water droplets.[3] His work focuses on frugal innovation that makes medicine, computing and microscopy accessible to more people across the world.[4][5][6]

Key Information

Early life and education

[edit]

Manu Prakash was born in Meerut, India. He earned a BTech in computer science and engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur and an M.S. and PhD in Applied Physics from Massachusetts Institute of Technology.[7]

Notable work

[edit]

Foldscope

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A Foldscope is an optical microscope that can be assembled from simple components, including a sheet of paper and a lens. It was developed by Jim Cybulski and Manu Prakash and designed to cost less than US$1 to build. It is part of the "frugal science" movement, which aims to make cheap and easy tools available for scientific use in the developing world.[8]

Paperfuge

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Paperfuge is a hand-powered ultralow-cost paper centrifuge designed by Manu Prakash and members of the Prakash Lab. Inspired by the whirlygig toy configuration, Dr. Manu designed a centrifuge using the toy's design and Supercoiling-mediated ultrafast spinning dynamics. The Paperfuge can be used to separate Plasma and RBC for rapid Malaria diagnosis in remote areas.[9][10][11]

Awards

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TED Fellow 2009, TED Fellow 2010, TED Senior Fellow 2011[12]

Gates Foundation Global Health "Explorations" Grant 2012[13]

NIH Director's New Innovator Award 2015[14]

MacArthur Fellow 2016[15]

Unilever Colworth Prize 2020[16]

References

[edit]
[edit]
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Manu Prakash

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from Grokipedia
Manu Prakash is an Indian-American bioengineer, inventor, and professor renowned for pioneering "frugal science" through low-cost, accessible tools that democratize scientific discovery and address challenges. Born and raised in , , he earned a B.Tech. in computer science and engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur in 2002 and a Ph.D. in from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 2008. Prakash's career trajectory includes a postdoctoral fellowship as a Junior Fellow in the from 2008 to 2011, after which he joined as an of bioengineering in 2011, advancing to in 2018. He also holds positions as a senior fellow at Stanford's Woods Institute for the Environment and an by courtesy in the departments of Oceans and . His research integrates soft-matter physics, physical biology, and engineering to explore microscale phenomena in living and nonliving systems, with applications in , ecological surveillance, and . Among his most impactful contributions is the Foldscope, a paper-based, origami-folded microscope costing under $1 that achieves 2-micron resolution and has been distributed to over 2.7 million users in 160 countries since its 2014 launch. Prakash has also invented the Paperfuge, a hand-powered made from repurposed materials for blood sample separation in resource-limited settings, and the Planktoscope, an open-source imaging platform for monitoring microscopic ocean life. As a 2016 MacArthur Fellow, Pew Scholar in the , honoree in Cell Press's 50 Scientists That Inspire list (2024), and recipient of the 2025 Golden Goose Award, he co-founded ventures like Foldscope Instruments and Planktoscope to scale these innovations. His ongoing work includes projects on cellular computation, such as the discovery of "cellular " in folding behaviors, and AI-driven diagnostics for diseases like antibiotic resistance.

Early life and education

Early life

Manu Prakash was born in 1980 in , a rural town in , , known for its production. His , including his mother Sushma, a professor and teacher, and his father Brij Pal, a and later businessman, emphasized and despite modest means. The family relocated multiple times for better opportunities, moving from to and eventually settling in Rampur in 1990, where Prakash spent much of his formative years in a resource-limited environment that encouraged self-reliance. During his childhood, Prakash's interest in science emerged through unstructured explorations influenced by his family's supportive yet hands-off approach. Summers spent at his grandfather Sukhvir Shastry's home involved long dawn walks with cousins to a nearby , where he learned to identify and observe birds, fostering an early appreciation for the natural world. In Rampur, the discovery of an abandoned chemistry lab in their backyard became a pivotal space for experimentation, allowing him to tinker freely as long as he returned home for dinner. Prakash's curiosity-driven projects often involved scavenging materials in a setting with limited access to formal resources, such as repairing radios, crafting homemade fireworks, and even constructing a rudimentary at age seven using tubes and his brother Anurag's prescription glasses. These self-directed endeavors, including risky experiments with that once burned his hand and handling mercury from thermometers to mimic electric motors, highlighted his innate drive to understand , , and chemistry through rather than structured instruction. This period of uninhibited exploration in rural laid the foundation for his lifelong pursuit of .

Education

Manu Prakash earned a B.Tech. in from the Indian Institute of Technology in 2002. He then pursued graduate studies at the (MIT), obtaining an M.S. in Media Arts and Sciences in 2005. Prakash completed his Ph.D. in Media Arts and Sciences at MIT in 2008, under the supervision of , director of the Center for Bits and Atoms. His doctoral thesis, titled Microfluidic Bubble Logic, focused on soft-matter physics, particularly , with early explorations of applications to biological systems through programmable fluidic paradigms.

Career

Academic positions

Following his PhD at the , Prakash served as a Junior Fellow in the from 2008 to 2011, where he conducted postdoctoral research in bioengineering applications. Prakash joined in 2011 as an in the Department of Bioengineering. He was promoted to of Bioengineering in 2018, and holds courtesy appointments as of and of . Since 2017, Prakash has been a member of the core leadership team at the Stanford Center for Innovation in Global Health. He became a Senior Fellow at the Stanford Woods Institute for the Environment in 2020. Additionally, he has served as a board member of the Jasper Ridge Biological Reserve since 2017.

Research focus

Manu Prakash's research integrates soft-matter physics with to explore fundamental phenomena such as cellular , , and , with a particular emphasis on non-model organisms like those in oceanic environments. By combining experimental techniques from and theoretical modeling, his lab investigates how physical principles govern biological processes at the cellular and organismal scales, revealing insights into adaptive behaviors in complex natural settings. This interdisciplinary approach addresses gaps in understanding life forms that are difficult to study with conventional methods, prioritizing curiosity-driven questions about ecological and biophysical limits. A core emphasis of Prakash's work is "frugal science," which develops low-cost, scalable tools to democratize scientific access for applications in , , and ocean . This philosophy enables precision measurements in resource-constrained contexts, fostering broader participation in biological discovery while tackling pressing issues like microbial dynamics in extreme habitats. Through this lens, Prakash's investigations bridge fundamental physics with practical impacts, such as tracking fluid-mediated interactions in microbial communities. Key areas include embodied computation in biological matter, where Prakash examines how physical systems like droplets perform logic operations, drawing parallels to natural computational processes in . His research also advances for microgravity and extreme environments, enabling real-time observation of dynamic cellular events under simulated conditions or harsh terrestrial settings. Additionally, Prakash studies microbial behaviors, such as the of diatoms and the fluid-interface flight of insects, to quantify biophysical constraints and adaptive strategies. In recent years (2023–2025), Prakash has emphasized ultrafast cellular across the , establishing quantitative frameworks to compare and strain rates in diverse organisms, which highlight universal biophysical limits. Parallel efforts have probed low-temperature limits for microbial , exemplified by studies on ice-gliding diatoms that maintain activity down to -15°C, reshaping understandings of eukaryotic survival in polar ecosystems. These findings underscore the role of physical extremes in shaping biological innovation.

Notable work

Foldscope

The Foldscope is a low-cost, origami-based microscope invented in 2014 by Manu Prakash and his collaborator Jim Cybulski while working in Prakash's laboratory at Stanford University. The device was designed to address the inaccessibility of traditional microscopes in low-resource settings, using readily available materials like paper and simple optics to achieve a production cost of under US$1 per unit. This innovation emerged from Prakash's broader efforts in "frugal science," aiming to create affordable tools that enable widespread scientific exploration without compromising functionality. The Foldscope features an origami-folded structure assembled from a single flat sheet of in under 10 minutes, incorporating three main stages: an illumination module, a sample-mounting platform, and an lens holder. It provides 140x with submicron resolution, powered by a low-energy LED (6 mW) that runs for over 50 hours on a standard coin-cell battery, and supports brightfield, darkfield, and modes through modular add-ons. Its compact design—measuring approximately 50 grams and fitting in a pocket—ensures high portability and durability, capable of withstanding drops from up to three stories without damage, making it ideal for field deployment in rugged environments. The invention was detailed in a seminal paper published in on June 18, 2014, which demonstrated its potential for large-scale manufacturing and democratizing access to in and research. By 2020, over 1 million Foldscope units had been shipped to more than 135 countries; as of , over 2 million units have been distributed to more than 160 countries, primarily through volunteer-driven initiatives and partnerships, facilitating their use in resource-limited areas for both teaching and practical diagnostics. In applications, the Foldscope has proven effective for disease detection, such as identifying parasites in blood smears with accuracy comparable to conventional microscopes when used by trained personnel. It has also supported efforts in remote regions, enabling users to observe microorganisms, analyze , and conduct ecological surveys, thereby fostering hands-on learning and in underserved communities.

Paperfuge

The Paperfuge is an ultralow-cost, human-powered developed by Manu Prakash and colleagues at between 2016 and 2017, designed to enable in resource-limited settings without access to . Inspired by the mechanics of ancient toys dating back to 3300 B.C.E., the device repurposes simple paper mechanisms to generate high rotational speeds, addressing the need for affordable diagnostics in contexts. Each unit costs approximately 20 cents to produce and weighs just 2 grams, making it highly portable and scalable for widespread distribution. The design consists of a disc coated in for durability, attached to two small or wooden handles via strings, mimicking a whirligig's pull-and-spin action. By pulling the strings apart, users can spin the disc at speeds of up to 125,000 , generating centrifugal forces reaching 30,000 times (30,000g), sufficient for separating components. Samples, such as in tubes, are mounted along the disc's radius; the stratifies elements like plasma from red cells in under 1.5 minutes or isolates parasites in about 15 minutes. This mechanism provides a theoretical upper of 1,000,000 RPM, though practical use focuses on reliable performance for biological separations. The invention was detailed in a seminal paper published on January 10, 2017, in Nature Biomedical Engineering, highlighting its potential for point-of-care diagnostics in electricity-scarce environments. Targeted applications include separating parasites from whole blood for diagnosis, a process that traditionally requires powered equipment costing thousands of dollars. In field tests conducted in , the Paperfuge successfully processed blood samples, demonstrating viability for on-site use in tropical regions with high prevalence. By enabling rapid, electricity-free preparation of samples for tests like thick blood smears, the Paperfuge has supported faster detection and other blood-based assays, reducing diagnostic turnaround times from hours to minutes in . This aligns with Prakash's broader frugal science efforts, such as the Foldscope, to democratize essential lab tools. Its low barrier to entry has facilitated deployment in remote areas, enhancing access to diagnostics for infectious diseases.

Other innovations

In addition to his flagship diagnostic devices, Manu Prakash has led the development of several innovative tools that extend frugal principles to computational, environmental, and applications. One early example is the water droplet computer, a synchronous system that uses droplets suspended in oil to perform programmable logic operations without electronics. Announced on June 8, 2015, this device leverages a to synchronize droplet movement, enabling the construction of logic gates such as AND, OR, and NOT, as well as a for sequential operations. The system demonstrates how can mimic electronic , with potential applications in and biological assays where electronic interference must be avoided. Building on open-source microscopy, Prakash's lab introduced the Planktoscope in 2018, an affordable, modular imaging platform designed for high-throughput quantitative analysis of samples. This flow-through , costing under $500, allows citizen scientists to capture detailed images of marine microbes for mapping and ecological studies. Deployed on autonomous buoys, it facilitates continuous in remote locations, enabling real-time data collection on dynamics without specialized infrastructure. The platform's open-source design promotes global collaboration, with over 150 units distributed worldwide as of 2024 for field and laboratory use. In the realm of , the Abuzz project, initiated in the late , transforms smartphones into acoustic sensors for monitoring populations. By recording the wingbeat frequencies of —distinct produce unique buzz patterns between 300 and 800 Hz—users can contribute geolocated audio data to a crowdsourced global map of disease vectors like . Powered by algorithms, the system identifies with over 90% accuracy using off-the-shelf phone microphones, enabling real-time tracking of and dengue risks in resource-limited settings. Since its launch, Abuzz has engaged thousands of citizen scientists, generating datasets that inform strategies in over 50 countries. More recently, Prakash co-developed FlightScope, a microfluidic platform for investigating cellular behavior in microgravity environments. Published in 2025, this vibration-resistant integrates with parabolic flight experiments to observe dynamic processes like and division under altered , simulating conditions for lunar or Martian missions. The device uses open-source components, including a custom SQUID-inspired optical setup, to maintain focus during 20-30 second microgravity phases, providing unprecedented insights into how influences non-model organisms such as and . Initial tests revealed altered patterns in E. coli, highlighting microgravity's impact on microbial ecosystems relevant to . Prakash's lab has also produced specialized tools for studying non-model organisms, emphasizing curiosity-driven inquiries in physical . For instance, custom diatom motility trackers—deployed during Arctic expeditions—have quantified gliding speeds and mechanisms in at temperatures as low as -15°C, revealing actin-myosin driven movement that enables vertical migration through channels. These instruments, often built with low-cost and automated tracking software, support broader efforts to decode biophysical adaptations in extremophiles, from depths to polar .

Recognition

Awards

Manu Prakash received the NIH Director's New Innovator Award in 2015 for his early-career research in bioengineering, specifically the project "Mosquitoes Meet Microfluidics: Novel Tools for Ecological Surveillance of Insect-Borne Disease," which supports innovative approaches to high-risk, high-reward biomedical research. In 2016, he was awarded the MacArthur Fellowship, often called the "Genius Grant," providing $625,000 over five years without restrictions to foster creative work; the foundation recognized his application of soft-matter physics to develop low-cost scientific tools that democratize access to research in resource-limited settings. Prakash was honored with the Colworth Prize in 2020 by the Microbiology Society for his advancements in and development of accessible diagnostic technologies, exemplified by his frugal initiatives that enable widespread scientific experimentation. In 2022, he received the Award from the New York Microscopical Society for his optical innovations, particularly the creation of the Foldscope, a paper-based that has transformed outreach and globally. On December 19, 2024, Prakash was selected as one of the 50 Scientists that Inspire for his development of tools advancing and through innovative, low-cost bioengineering solutions. In 2025, Prakash and Jim Cybulski received the Golden Goose Award for the Foldscope, honoring federally funded research that led to a low-cost paper making globally accessible.

Fellowships and honors

Manu Prakash was selected as a TED Fellow in 2011, recognizing his early contributions to innovative science communication and technology for global health challenges. He progressed to TED Senior Fellow in 2011, a role that supported his efforts in disseminating accessible scientific tools through public talks and demonstrations. In 2012, Prakash received a Grand Challenges Explorations grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, providing $100,000 to develop low-cost diagnostic devices like the paper-based Foldscope for use in resource-limited settings. Prakash was named an HHMI-Gates Biomedical Science Faculty Scholar in 2016 by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, a five-year award from 2016 to 2021 that funded his independent research on frugal bioengineering innovations. In 2021, he became a Schmidt Innovation Fellow through Schmidt Futures, acknowledging his work in creating novel tools to advance scientific discovery in biology and beyond. Prakash earned recognition as a Emerging Explorer in 2015, honoring his fieldwork integrating , , and low-cost instrumentation to address global ecological issues.

References

  1. https://www.cell.com/news-do/50-inspiring-scientists-manu-prakash
  2. https://www.macfound.org/fellows/class-of-2016/manu-prakash
  3. https://iitk.ac.in/dora/profile/dr-manu-prakash
  4. https://www.goldengooseaward.org/awardees
  5. https://stanfordmag.org/contents/just-curious
  6. https://im.rediff.com/news/2014/jul/09_iapoy_manu_prakash.pdf
  7. https://www.livemint.com/Science/9JRNZtcy8r8BnBjtzJJliO/Manu-Prakash-A-pocketful-of-inventions.html
  8. https://explorers.nationalgeographic.org/directory/manu-prakash
  9. https://profiles.stanford.edu/manu-prakash
  10. https://cba.mit.edu/docs/theses/08.09.Prakash.pdf
  11. https://dspace.mit.edu/handle/1721.1/46593
  12. https://journals.biologists.com/jcs/article/138/6/jcs263898/367428/Interview-with-Manu-Prakash
  13. https://cap.stanford.edu/profiles/viewBiosketch?facultyId=21128&name=Manu_Prakash
  14. https://news.stanford.edu/stories/2020/12/report-president-academic-council-professoriate-appointments
  15. https://biox.stanford.edu/people/manu-prakash
  16. https://www.pew.org/en/projects/pew-biomedical-scholars/directory-of-pew-scholars/2013/manu-prakash
  17. https://prakashlab.stanford.edu/publications
  18. https://www.nature.com/articles/nphys3341
  19. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41526-025-00470-3
  20. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40825357/
  21. https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.11.18.624199v1
  22. https://news.stanford.edu/stories/2025/09/extreme-life-arctic-ice-diatoms-ecological-discovery
  23. https://stanmed.stanford.edu/manu-prakashs-frugal-science-including-his-1-dollar-microscope-the-foldscope/
  24. https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0098781
  25. https://prakashlab.stanford.edu/projects/foldscope
  26. https://foldscope.com/pages/frequently-asked-questions
  27. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9728086/
  28. https://www.goldengooseaward.org/01awardees/foldscopes
  29. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41551-016-0009
  30. https://news.stanford.edu/stories/2017/01/whirligig-toy-bioengineers-develop-20-cent-hand-powered-blood-centrifuge
  31. https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2017/01/10/508415046/childrens-whirligig-toy-inspires-a-low-cost-laboratory-test
  32. https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/marine-science/articles/10.3389/fmars.2022.949428/full
  33. https://prakashlab.stanford.edu/projects/planktoscope
  34. https://elifesciences.org/articles/27854
  35. https://prakashlab.stanford.edu/projects/abuzz
  36. https://commonfund.nih.gov/newinnovator/fundedresearch
  37. https://microbiologysociety.org/news/society-news/unilever-colworth-prize-2020-professor-manu-prakash.html
  38. https://eas.org/new-york-microscopical-society-ernst-abbe-award-2/
  39. https://www.ted.com/speakers/manu_prakash
  40. https://med.stanford.edu/news/all-news/2012/11/prakash-wins-gates-grant-for-paper-microscope-development.html
  41. http://media.hhmi.org/FacultyScholars2016-gallery
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