Reader Input
Thoughts, tips, and musings from readers like you.Page 06
Make: Volume 56 – Don’t Try This at Home
It doesn’t take a fully-stocked laboratory to perform biological scientific experiments. Make: Volume 56 shows you how to make electricity using everyday mud, extract DNA with a 3D-printed centrifuge, and isolate fruit DNA in your cocktails. Plus learn about one group hacking medical devices for real time diabetes data and another that’s trying to open source life-saving insulin.
Plus, more than 18 projects, including:
- Make a teeny-tiny FM transmitter spy bug
- Build a retro-style cell phone with the cutting-edge Adafruit Feather Fona
- Learn to make your own fasteners by tapping and threading
And more!
ON THE COVER: Exploring science with an eerie blend of ferrofluid and glow stick solution.
Table of Contents
COLUMNS
Welcome: Subversive Science
Mike Senese
DIY Bio make it easier than ever to effect real-world change at home.Page 07
Made on Earth
Backyard builds from around the globe.Page 08
FEATURES
Crowdfunding Cheatsheet
Gareth Branwyn
Use these tips and tricks to find success — as a creator and a backer alike.Page 16
Maker ProFile: Making That Matters
DC Denison
Nonprofit Field Ready provides disaster and humanitarian solutions in remote and low-resource areas.Page 20
Workspace Fire Safety
Tim Deagan
Wherever you work, here are basic principles to always keep in mind.Page 22
SPECIAL SECTION
BioZone
Gomez Marquez and Colin Johnson
Biohacking is a broad, innovative world that’s perfect for makers.Page 26
Biohacking Spaces Near You
DIYbio
Find a nearby DIY bio lab or meetup with this comprehensive list.Page 29
DIY Science
Lisa Martin
Get inspired with these biohacking projects from around the globePage 30
OpenAPS
Lisa Martin
Makers are opening up artificial pancreas tech to improve their lives.Page 32
The Open Insulin Project
Lisa Martin
Biohackers are on the hunt for generic insulin production.Page 35
Build Your Own DIY Bio Lab
Patrik D'haeseleer
These tools will let you get started with some serious science.Page 36
Bioprinting Pioneers
Biohacking Safari
When it comes to fabricating with cells, these groups are leading the charge.Page 38
Devices and the Law
Michael Weinberg
Will the FDA want to regulate your budding medical tool?Page 42
Microbial Fuel Cell
Jendai E. Robinson
Create renewable, carbon-neutral electrical power from bacteriaPage 44
3D-Printed Centrifuge
ProgressTH
Make this low-cost lab tool to extract DNA on your desktop.Page 46
Double Helix Daiquiris
Bonnie Barrilleaux
Extract DNA from strawberries in this experiment you can drink.Page 48
SKILL BUILDER
Make Your Mark
Tim Deagan
Customize your gear with simple screen printing secrets.Page 50
Learning the Lingo: Machining Metal
Caleb Kraft
Get literate in machine-shop speak with this primer.Page 54
Fabricating Fasteners
Jordan Bunker
Learn how to create your own threads with taps and dies.Page 56
PROJECTS
Dieselpunk Cellphone
Bob Murphy
Assemble a functioning mobile phone that looks like it was made in 1940.Page 58
Teeny-Tiny Spy Bug
Tom Schneider
Build the world’s smallest FM transmitter for all your espionage needs.Page 64
Glider Launch Rig
Katherine Ozawa and Rick Schertle
Mod your Air Rocket Launcher to make your aircraft soar.Page 68
Just in Case
Charles Platt
Create a custom foam insert to transport your fragile equipment.Page 72
Better Times
Larry Cotton
How I made an accurate, easy-to-read clock using stepper motors.Page 74
Culinary Chemistry
Paloma Fautley
Make your bruschetta better with cold-oil spherification.Page 78
Amateur Scientist: Doing Science with Drones
Forrest M. Mims III
Aerial imaging and remote sensing have never been easier.Page 80
Hollow, Dolly!
Bill Chellberg
Build molds for creating custom porcelain collectibles.Page 84
Toy Inventor’s Notebook: Whirly Noisemaker
Bob Knetzger
Whizz it around your head and hear it roar!Page 86
TOOLBOX
Tool Reviews
We take a look at Brother’s SE400 sewing and embroidery machine, Bosch’s 12V impact driver, iFixit’s Essential Electronics Toolkit V2.0, and more.Page 88
Laser Cutter Review: Glowforge
Matt Stultz
Ease of use and ingenious features make this machine worth the wait.Page 92
SHOW & TELL
Show & Tell
Dazzling projects from inventive makers like you.Page 96
