Rice students' Sally Centrifuge could help diagnose anemia globally

A simple salad spinner will save lives this summer, if everything goes as planned by two Rice University undergraduates.
The spinner has been turned, so to speak, into a rudimentary centrifuge that medical clinics in developing countries can use to separate blood without electricity.
Lila Kerr, a Sid Richardson College sophomore, and Lauren Theis, a Wiess College freshman, will take their Sally Centrifuge abroad for testing this summer as part of Beyond Traditional Borders (BTB), Rice's global health initiative that brings new ideas and technologies to underdeveloped countries. Kerr will take a spinner to Ecuador, Theis will take one to Swaziland and a third BTB team will take one to Malawi.

[@gregormech]

This is a good idea. No matter if it succeeds or fails according to your expectations, you're better off with the experience. Best wishes from a Rice alum.

[@meehanparast]

Great job guys, you should be very proud of yourselves.

[@ransom1wi]

great job!!!!

[@cyberfausto]

@AshanicRyder true, its great to save lives but in this society full of lawyers, I expect these smart beautiful ladies to be getting a letter from the original inventors of the Salad Spinner. It would be great if they didn't.

[@KimGillard]

I'm teaching 11th Grade Biology, and showed this to my students the last time I taught the course (in 2012).
Ladies, what was the outcome of your field tests? Have you had any success in getting it used by people in remote communities?

[@cyberfausto]

Won't they get sued by the original makers of the salad spinner?

[@MIT2004]

Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm I'll take both girls.

[@dirk205]

Lauren's a damn hottie...... Playboy and the women of Rice in her future....

[@AshanicRyder]

@cyberfausto any marketing is good marketing, what other company could say "Buy our Life Saving Salad Spinner at Walmart Just $17.95