# LifeScanner

> Citizen science app for species identification and biodiversity research. (iPhone/iPad app by University of Guelph.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/lifescanner/id875084436 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [University of Guelph](https://appshunter.io/developer/490139835)
- Category: Education, Reference
- Price: Free
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 8.0 · 12 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2014-06-26
- Data updated: 2026-06-08
- Monetization: free
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/lifescanner/id875084436/reviews.md

## What is LifeScanner?

Use LifeScanner to explore species anywhere across the world.
This app allows you to educate and share with your friends and followers
through social media the species you have found around you.
When you use the LifeScanner kit in conjunction with the app, you transmit
your sample's collection data to the scientists in the lab, allowing this
data to become part of scientific research in the future.
The biodiversity of this planet is comprised of all the living organisms on
it. We see this biodiversity as an intertwined network of species that form
the ecosystems and food webs we depend on. All the food we eat and the animals
we interact with have a role in this web of life we call biodiversity.
After 250 years of research in cataloging the species on the planet, we are
nowhere near recording them all. Scientists have estimated that nearly 80%
of the species on the planet have yet to be discovered. Many live in remote
locations but most hide in plain sight, too small and uncharismatic to be
noticed or too similar in physical appearance to other species to be
discovered.

We can't protect what we do not know - it is estimated that a third of the
species on the planet will go extinct by the end of the current century. To
solve this problem, DNA is being used to catalog each species. DNA can be
used to get the identity of any species, much like a fingerprint.

Using our sampling kit you can submit any whole insects, plant leaves, or
uncooked meat. The kit contains everything you need to submit your sample
for identification and contribution to the scientific database. Each kit
comes with 4 vials for any organism you find. A kit will be delivered within
a week of order. You put the organisms in the kit and send them back to us.
Each sample kit has been carefully designed by our scientific team to enable
us to extract and sequence the DNA within each sample. Once we've sequenced
your sample, we'll send the results directly to your iPhone so that you can
visualize and understand the data.

Help us catalog the organisms around us.

## Key features

- Explore species globally
- Share discoveries on social media
- Submit samples for DNA analysis
- Contribute to scientific research
- Visualize sample data
- Catalog biodiversity

## Recent user reviews (1 of 1)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/lifescanner/id875084436/reviews.md

### 4/5 — Looks interesting but..

*2020-12-10*

Still (Dec 10th) Won’t let me sign in after registering.
App says ‘Can’t find your Data’

Asked for a Password reset.
Did that.
Tried to sign in...same message again.

Tried signing in on Website.
Says Password or email are wrong.
They aren’t.
You sent me a PW reset so email is correct & Strong Password is saved so it isn’t wrong.

Please fix this issue.
Thank you.

## Frequently asked questions about LifeScanner

### What is LifeScanner used for?

LifeScanner is used to explore species anywhere in the world, educate yourself and others about them, and contribute to scientific research by submitting samples for DNA analysis. It helps catalog the planet's biodiversity.

### How does LifeScanner contribute to scientific research?

When you use the LifeScanner kit with the app, your sample's collection data is transmitted to scientists. This data becomes part of future scientific research, aiding in the cataloging of undiscovered species.

### What can I submit for DNA analysis with LifeScanner?

You can submit any whole insects, plant leaves, or uncooked meat using the LifeScanner sampling kit. The kit contains four vials for collecting organisms.

### How long does it take to receive a LifeScanner kit?

A LifeScanner kit will be delivered within a week of ordering. Once you send your samples back, the DNA sequencing results will be sent directly to your iPhone.

### Is LifeScanner available on Android devices?

Based on the provided data, LifeScanner is currently supported on iPhone and iPod devices. There is no mention of Android compatibility.

### How often is LifeScanner updated?

The latest version of LifeScanner is 1.5, which was last updated on November 14, 2017. This indicates a less frequent update schedule.

### What is the age rating for LifeScanner?

LifeScanner has an age rating of 4+, making it suitable for young children and families interested in learning about nature.

### Does LifeScanner have ads?

No, LifeScanner does not contain advertisements. The app is free to use and does not display any ads.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 1.5 — 2017-11-14

This app has been updated by Apple to display the Apple Watch app icon.

Bug fixes

### 1.04 — 2017-11-07

Compatibility with iOS 11 and bug fixes

### 1.03 — 2017-03-09

-Bug Fixes
-Support for iOS 9 and 10

### 1.02 — 2014-08-14

- Streamlined collection input
- Faster map rendering
- Improved social sharing
- Bug fixes

### 1.0.1 — 2014-07-07

Bug fixes
Enhanced mapping view

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All apps by University of Guelph: https://appshunter.io/developer/490139835

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-06-08.*