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‘Gluing’ soft materials without glue (video)

Scientists have discovered a universal method to bond soft materials together using electricity, eliminating the need for traditional adhesives. The new technique, called electroadhesion, uses oppositely charged materials to form strong bonds that can withstand gravity and last for years.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateMay 3, 2023
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

How spheres become worms

Scientists have identified a novel mechanism of gel formation in synthetic polymers, which leads to the creation of worm-like structures. This breakthrough has significant implications for biofabrication and could lead to the development of new medical implants, contact lenses, and other applications.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalACS Nano·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 27, 2023

Researchers 3D print a miniature vacuum pump

MIT researchers developed a miniature vacuum pump for portable mass spectrometers, overcoming design limitations of traditional pumps. The 3D-printed pump can create and maintain lower pressure vacuums, increasing the device's lifetime and enabling its use in remote locations and space exploration.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateApr 25, 2023
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Entering an ERA of 3D printing even for DNAs and proteins

Researchers have developed a novel 3D printing strategy that preserves the folding structure and molecular function of various biopolymers, enabling precise control over size and geometry at submicron resolution. The technique allows for the production of 3D biopolymeric architectures with functional integrity and biofunctions.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalAdvanced Science·DateApr 12, 2023

Assessing the accuracy of artery models

Hokkaido University researchers evaluate a material used to build model arteries, finding it suitable for medical education and surgical practice. The study also highlights the potential for improved assessment of 3D printing technology in creating highly accurate models of individual patient's artery structure.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalJournal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 11, 2023
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

UTEP joins project to 3D print batteries from lunar and Martian soil

The University of Texas at El Paso has joined a $2.5 million NASA-led project to develop 3D-printed rechargeable batteries using lunar and Martian regolith. Researchers will utilize additive manufacturing processes, such as material extrusion and vat photopolymerization, to produce shape-conformable batteries for space applications.

SourceUniversity of Texas at El Paso·DateMar 23, 2023

Honey, the 3D print--I mean, dessert--is ready!

Researchers create a 3D-printing system to construct cheesecake from edible food inks, enabling customizable foods with improved nutrient content. The technology could address issues with low-nutrient processed foods, making it appealing for individuals with dietary restrictions and those requiring personalized nutrition.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·Journalnpj Science of Food·DateMar 21, 2023

A recipe for 3D-printing food

University of Ottawa researchers Ezgi Pulatsu and Chibuike Udenigwe identified crucial factors impacting the print quality and shape complexity of edible materials produced by additive manufacturing. By optimizing these features, food quality can be improved, control increased, and printing speed enhanced.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalPhysics of Fluids·DateMar 21, 2023
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Engineering faculty awarded $3.5 million to advance 3D concrete printing

The University of Arkansas engineering faculty will research ways to improve 3D printing of concrete and indigenous soils for horizontal construction projects. The project aims to develop printing instructions for mobile robots and explore biomimetic structures that can reduce material use while increasing strength.

SourceUniversity of Arkansas·DateMar 16, 2023

Low-cost device can measure air pollution anywhere

A low-cost, open-source device called Flatburn can measure air pollution using 3D printing or inexpensive parts. Researchers have tested and calibrated it against existing state-of-the-art machines, making it suitable for community groups and individual citizens to track local air quality.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalAtmospheric Environment·DateMar 16, 2023

3D-printed insoles measure sole pressure directly in the shoe

A new invention by ETH Zurich researchers uses 3D printing to create customized insoles with integrated pressure sensors that can measure foot pressure during various activities. This allows for more accurate and efficient creation of custom insoles, potentially improving athletic performance and treating musculoskeletal pain.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 15, 2023
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Embedding aligned nanofibrous architectures within 3D-printed polycaprolactone scaffolds for directed cellular infiltration and tissue regeneration

Scientists create hybrid composite scaffolds with aligned nanofibrous architectures to improve cell seeding efficiency, proliferation rates, and morphogenesis. The findings have potential applications in tissue repairing and regenerative medicine.

SourceInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·JournalInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·DateMar 14, 2023

New research takes step towards laser printed medical electronics

Researchers have successfully printed flexible electronics using polypyrrole and demonstrated its compatibility with living organisms, paving the way for patient-specific implants. The technology has potential applications in real-time health monitoring and treating conditions like epilepsy or pain.

SourceLancaster University·JournalAdvanced Materials & Technologies·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 13, 2023

3D-printed scaffold could improve breast reconstruction results

A new 3D-printed scaffold made of a dissolvable polymer is shown to create nipples that maintain long-lasting projection, unlike previous reconstruction approaches. The device has the potential to improve breast reconstruction results and could be available for women undergoing mastectomy in the near future.

SourceWeill Cornell Medicine·JournalPlastic and Reconstructive Surgery Global Open·DateMar 8, 2023
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Integrating humans with AI in structural design

A new process combining human evaluation and AI optimization produces better designs than fully automated systems or manual approaches. The 'Human-Informed Topology Optimization' method reduces material usage while maintaining strength, and can be applied to various scales and applications.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalStructural and Multidisciplinary Optimization·DateMar 2, 2023
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

How digital twins could protect manufacturers from cyberattacks

A new cybersecurity framework uses digital twin technology, machine learning, and human expertise to detect cyberattacks in manufacturing processes. The framework analyzes continuous data streams from physical machines and their digital twins to identify irregularities and flag potential threats.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalIEEE Transactions on Automation Science and Engineering·DateFeb 23, 2023

Custom, 3D-printed heart replicas look and pump just like the real thing

Researchers have developed a procedure to create custom, 3D-printed heart replicas that accurately mimic a patient's specific heart form and function. These replicas can be controlled to mimic the pumping action of the real heart, allowing clinicians to test various treatment options for individual patients.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience Robotics·DateFeb 22, 2023
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

New superalloy could cut carbon emissions from power plants

Researchers have discovered a new 3D-printed superalloy that can withstand high heat, essential for power plant turbines. The alloy, composed of 42% aluminum, 25% titanium and other metals, is stronger at high temperatures than state-of-the-art materials.

SourceDOE/Sandia National Laboratories·JournalApplied Materials Today·DateFeb 16, 2023

Creating 3D objects with sound

Researchers at Max Planck Institute and Heidelberg University have developed a technology to assemble matter in 3D using sound waves. They successfully printed microparticles, gel beads, and biological cells into three-dimensional shapes, paving the way for novel 3D cell culture techniques.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 13, 2023

Fiber sensing scientists invent 3D printed fiber microprobe for measuring in vivo biomechanical properties of tissue and even single cell

Researchers at Shenzhen University have developed a compact fiber optical nanomechanical probe (FONP) to measure in vivo biomechanical properties of tissue and even single cells. The high-precision mechanical sensing system enables accurate measurements with spring constants as low as 2.1 nanonewtons.

SourceInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·JournalInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·DateFeb 10, 2023

Bite this! Mosquito feeding chamber uses fake skin, real blood

Rice University researchers have developed an innovative system to study mosquito feeding behavior using fake skin made with a 3D printer, eliminating the need for live volunteers. The system was tested on various mosquito repellents and showed promising results, suggesting it could be scaled up for future studies.

SourceRice University·JournalFrontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 9, 2023

CU research team moves one step closer to printing models of life-like 3D organs

A CU research team has developed a method to transform medical images into incredibly detailed 3D models on the computer, which can be printed and used for surgical planning. The approach uses custom software to convert scan data into volumetric pixels, allowing for more accurate representations of human anatomy.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·Journal3D Printing and Additive Manufacturing·DateJan 24, 2023
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

A new “digital twin” of laser-directed energy deposition repair technology

A new digital twin of laser-directed energy deposition repair technology has been developed to improve industrial sustainability. The system automatically determines optimum forming conditions, reducing metal powder waste and increasing the effectiveness of the repair process.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalJournal of Thermal Spray Technology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 12, 2023

UVA research team detects additive manufacturing defects in real-time

A UVA research team developed a real-time detection method for keyhole pore generation in laser powder bed fusion, achieving a 100% prediction rate. This approach expands additive manufacturing capabilities for aerospace and other industries relying on strong metal parts.

SourceUniversity of Virginia School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 6, 2023

Using additive manufacturing to detect counterfeit parts

Texas A&M researchers have developed a method to embed hidden magnetic tags in metal parts, providing a new tool to combat counterfeited goods. The technique uses metal additive manufacturing to create unique identifiers that can be read using a magnetic sensor device.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalAdditive Manufacturing·DateDec 22, 2022
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

New 3D-printing ink could make cultured meat more cost-effective

Researchers have developed an edible plant-based ink derived from food waste to create cost-effective scaffolds for culturing meat. This innovation could significantly reduce the cost of large-scale cultured meat production, making it more affordable and environmentally friendly.

SourceXi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 15, 2022

Novel 3D printing method to fabricate complex metal–plastic composite structures

Researchers developed a novel 3D printing technique to fabricate complex metal–plastic composite structures with arbitrarily complex shapes. The process, called MM-DLP3DP, allows for the creation of precise metal patterns and high-quality metal coatings, enabling the development of highly integrated and customizable microelectronics.

SourceWaseda University·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 30, 2022
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

NIST finds a sweet new way to print microchip patterns on curvy surfaces

Researchers have found a way to transfer precise micro Patterns onto unconventional surfaces, including curved surfaces and fibers. This technique, called REFLEX, could open up new possibilities for the development of new materials and microstructures in fields such as electronics and biomedical engineering.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 24, 2022

Rice turns asphaltene into graphene for composites

Researchers at Rice University have successfully converted asphaltene, a byproduct of crude oil production, into turbostratic graphene using flash Joule heating. This process utilizes the existing material to create useful graphene for thermal, anti-corrosion and 3D-printing applications.

SourceRice University·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 18, 2022

University of Virginia engineering researchers strive to match artistry of biological tissues

University of Virginia engineers develop a Minecraft-like, voxelated approach to create complicated structures comparable to human tissues and organs. They use droplets as the basic building blocks, assembling them into 3D constructs with precise location, composition, and properties.

SourceUniversity of Virginia School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalActa Biomaterialia·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 16, 2022
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Synergetic optimization for reducing residual warpage in laser powder bed fusion

A team of researchers from Japan and the USA have proposed an optimized design strategy for additive manufacturing using laser powder bed fusion. They simultaneously optimized laser hatching orientation and lattice density distribution to minimize residual stress in metal parts, reducing warpage by up to 39%.

SourceWaseda University·JournalAdditive Manufacturing·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 1, 2022

New tech solves longstanding challenges for self-healing materials

Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a new self-healing composite that can repair itself in place without removal. The technology addresses two longstanding challenges, increasing the lifespan of structural components by up to 500%. This resolves limitations such as overheating and limited self-repair cycles.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 31, 2022

Advances in selective laser sintering of polymers

Researchers at Fudan University reviewed fundamental mechanisms and recent developments in selective laser sintering of polymers. The study highlights the need for innovative materials, sintering methods, and post-processing techniques to improve the efficiency and performance of SLS polymer parts.

SourceInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·JournalInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·DateOct 30, 2022
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

UCF researchers create lunar regolith bricks that could be used to construct Artemis base camp

Researchers at UCF's COSMOS Lab developed a method to create strong bricks from lunar regolith using 3D printing and binder jet technology. The bricks can withstand extreme space environments and are suitable for constructing off-world structures, paving the way for sustainable space construction.

SourceUniversity of Central Florida·JournalCeramics International·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 25, 2022

Miniature permanent magnets can be printed on a 3D printer

Scientists have successfully printed thin, one-millimeter-thick permanent magnets using selective laser sintering, retaining suitable characteristics for industrial use. This breakthrough enables complex magnet configurations necessary for pacemakers and minimizes production waste.

SourceUral Federal University·JournalJournal of Magnetism and Magnetic Materials·DateOct 17, 2022

3D printing plant cells shows promise for studying cell function

Researchers at NC State University have developed a reproducible method for studying cellular communication in plant cells using 3D bioprinting. The study found that more than half of the bioprinted cells were viable and divided over time, with soybean embryonic cells remaining viable for two weeks after bioprinting.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 14, 2022
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

“Size matters”: stronger and more ductile microlattice materials with reduced unit sizes

Researchers have developed stronger and more ductile microlattice materials by reducing unit sizes from 60 μm to 20 μm, enabling tailoring of mechanical properties. The size effect results in higher fracture strain and strength, making these materials suitable for various structural and functional applications.

SourceInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·JournalInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·DateOct 14, 2022

Generative design offers solution to patient-specific knee implants

Researchers developed a generatively designed patient-specific bone fixation device using Generative Design technology. The implants are tailored to each patient's anatomy and biomechanical needs, resulting in lighter, less prominent, and minimally invasive designs that promote faster healing and reduced revision surgery.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalProgress in Additive Manufacturing·DateOct 6, 2022

How the smell of food can enable “time travel”

Researchers at Lancaster University found that 3D printed flavor-based cues can stimulate rich sensory accounts and strong emotional connections in older adults, recalling memories from their youth. This technology has potential applications for dementia care, allowing individuals to relive cherished moments through the power of smell.

SourceLancaster University·JournalHuman-Computer Interaction·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 5, 2022
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Microscopic octopuses from a 3D printer

Researchers at Heidelberg University developed 3D printed microscopic octopuses with 'life-like' properties using smart polymers. These structures can be tuned on demand and have dynamic chemical bonds that allow them to grow and harden in a few hours, enabling complex micrometric structures.

SourceHeidelberg University·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateOct 4, 2022

A swarm of 3D printing drones for construction and repair

A team of Swiss researchers has developed Aerial Additive Manufacturing (AAM), a system that uses flying drones to print materials for construction projects. The technology enables on-site manufacturing and building in difficult-to-access or dangerous locations, such as post-disaster relief construction and tall buildings.

SourceSwiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA)·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 22, 2022

Researchers uncover how to 3D-print one of the strongest stainless steels

A team of researchers from NIST, UW-Madison, and Argonne National Laboratory identified key compositions that enable consistent 3D-printing of 17-4 PH stainless steel with favorable properties. The new findings could help producers cut costs and increase manufacturing flexibility.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalAdditive Manufacturing·DateSep 22, 2022
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

3D printing drones work like bees to build and repair structures while flying

Researchers have developed a technology using flying robots that mimic the collective building methods of bees and wasps to construct and repair large structures. The Aerial Additive Manufacturing system consists of drones that work autonomously but are monitored by human controllers, adapting their techniques as needed.

SourceImperial College London·JournalNature·DateSep 21, 2022