3D Printing

Researchers have used a novel technique to 3D print brain tissue whose cells developed into functional neurons that communicated with each other in a matter of weeks. The approach could be used to study the healthy and unhealthy brain or test drugs.

Among the cargo that just blasted off from Cape Canaveral, Florida, bound for the ISS were two firsts: the world’s first metal 3D printer designed especially for use in orbit and the first miniaturized surgical robot to be sent to the station.

Humans have been building walls, bridges, and other structures without any steel or mortar reinforcement for a long time. A team led by Holcim has put a 3D-printed spin on the idea, and hopes to use it to revolutionize modern infrastructure.

As 3D-printed architecture continues to grow in popularity, we're seeing more creative uses for the tech. This example comes from Studio RAP and uses a 3D printer to transform a retail store with a decorative knitted fabric-like ceramic facade.

Most cyclists probably don't give much thought to what sort of water bottle cage they use. If you're one of those people who just has to have the best of everything, though, you might want to check out Alptitude's 3D-printed titanium Superleggero TI.

Australian scientists have created the world’s smallest moustache, tiny enough to be modeled by a single red blood cell. Measuring just 5 microns wide, the micro-mo was designed to raise awareness for men’s health.

Surfers seem like a fairly eco-minded bunch, which is why it's ironic that most surfboards are made of petroleum-based, non-recyclable expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam. The Sea Mink is different, in that it's made of 3D-printed recycled plastic.

A team of researchers led by the University of Cambridge has developed a new technique that uses high-energy lasers to fine tune the properties of 3D-printed metal without compromising the complex shapes it forms.

3D-printed construction continues to grow in popularity, and the latest example is an ambitious apartment building in Germany. The project will incorporate cutting-edge 3D printing tech and timber, and will host affordable social housing.

If you can 3D-scan it, you can 3D-print it – and Matter and Form has announced a super-versatile new way to do so. The Three system creates photorealistic, high-detail, full-color 3D scans of objects from coins to cars, and potentially beyond.

Cement company Progreso has completed Guatemala's first 3D-printed building. It's designed to withstand local seismic activity and combines modern 3D-printing construction techniques with traditional local craftsmanship in the form of a thatched roof.

Prostheses that replace fingers are typically complex, expensive devices, the cost of which often isn't covered by medical insurance. The student-designed Lunet, on the other hand (no pun intended) is simple and can be made from open-source plans.