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Unique light-sensing 3D-printed device could help people with lupus

A team of engineers and doctors at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities have designed a unique 3D-printed light-sensing medical device that correlates light exposure with disease flare-ups in people with lupus. The device provides real-time feedback to help determine what causes symptoms.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalAdvanced Science·DateSep 8, 2022

Martian rock-metal composite shows potential of 3D printing on Mars

Researchers at Washington State University have created a strong and high-performance material by mixing Martian regolith with a titanium alloy. The composite showed better properties than the metal alone, making it suitable for making tools or rocket parts on Mars.

SourceWashington State University·JournalInternational Journal of Applied Ceramic Technology·DateSep 6, 2022

£1.2m grant to revolutionise product design and manufacturing

Researchers aim to create crack-resistant, uniform materials with reduced residual stresses and porosity for use in AM. The project will combine the best processing features of existing alloys groups, resulting in lightweight, rigid, and thermally stable components.

SourceOxford Brookes University·DateSep 5, 2022

New way found to turn number seven plastic into valuable products

Researchers at Washington State University developed a simple method to recycle polylactic acid (PLA) into high-quality resin for 3D printing. The process breaks down PLA into its basic building blocks, allowing it to be re-polymerized into stronger materials.

SourceWashington State University·JournalGreen Chemistry·DateAug 31, 2022
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

3D artificial pneumatic muscles for future “makers”

The Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia team developed GRACE actuators, 3D-printed structures that mimic muscle tissue in nature. The actuators can be manufactured using various materials and sizes, providing a range of movement options for robots.

SourceIstituto Italiano di Tecnologia - IIT·JournalScience Robotics·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 30, 2022

3D printing of starch for personalised medicine development

A University of the Basque Country team has successfully produced starch-based pharmaceutical tablets using 3D printing technology. The tablets display varying release properties depending on the type of starch used, offering promising solutions for personalized medicine and tailored drug delivery.

SourceUniversity of the Basque Country·JournalInternational Journal of Pharmaceutics·DateAug 25, 2022

Campus to cosmos: Illinois researchers 3D print carbon films

Researchers at the Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology have discovered an efficient and sustainable method for 3D-printing single-walled carbon nanotube films. The method uses powder, ink, and 3D printing to produce durable and conductive materials ideal for space exploration, wearable electronics, and more.

SourceBeckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology·JournalNano-Micro Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 25, 2022

Researchers design new inks for 3D-printable wearable bioelectronics

A team of researchers at Texas A&M University has developed biomaterial inks that mimic native characteristics of highly conductive human tissue. These inks are essential for 3D printing and enable the creation of complex electronic devices, such as stretchable sensors with integrated microelectronic components.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalACS Nano·DateAug 18, 2022
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.

Baylor study combines lithophane, 3D printing to enable individuals to "see" data regardless of level of eyesight

Researchers at Baylor University have developed a method to create tactile graphics that can be visualized by both blind and sighted individuals, enabling universal access to scientific data. The study used lithophane and 3D printing to convert scientific data into glowing, high-resolution images that can be interpreted through touch.

SourceBaylor University·JournalScience Advances·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 17, 2022

Despite fears, 3D printing has positive effects on global trade

New research by UC San Diego's School of Global Policy and Strategy finds that 3D printing technology has a positive impact on global trade. The study reveals that production processes changed but supply chains remained intact, leading to a doubling or near-doubling in producers' exports after five years.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalJournal of International Economics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 16, 2022

New programmable materials can sense their own movements

MIT researchers developed a method to create 3D-printed materials with tunable mechanical properties and embedded sensors, enabling real-time feedback on movement and interaction. The sensing structures use air-filled channels that deform when moved or squeezed, providing accurate feedback for robotics and wearable devices.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience Advances·DateAug 10, 2022

Customized fiber generates Bessel beams

Customized fibers have been engineered to generate Bessel beams, opening up new applications in imaging and communications. The fibers use a technique called two-photon lithography to fabricate special beam-shaping elements, enabling the creation of compact Bessel beam generators.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalOptica·DateAug 9, 2022
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

Fancy a side of 3D printed carrots and crickets with your meal?

A Singapore-based research team has created a systematic engineering approach for optimizing the production of 3D printed food inks with alternative proteins. The method uses Response Surface Methodology to minimize time and resources, resulting in visually appealing, flavorful, and nutritionally adequate foods enhanced with sustainabl...

SourceSingapore University of Technology and Design·JournalFood Hydrocolloids·DateAug 5, 2022

Micro-engineered electrodes could cut battery manufacturing costs

New, high-performance carbon microlattice electrodes made via micro-architected 3D printing could reduce battery manufacturing costs by increasing active materials and minimizing inactive binders. The approach was developed by Tohoku University researchers to unlock the potential of sodium ions for powering batteries.

SourceTohoku University·JournalSmall·DateAug 5, 2022

UMass Amherst and Georgia Tech researchers 3D print first high-performance nanostructured alloy that’s both ultrastrong and ductile

Researchers created a dual-phase, nanostructured high-entropy alloy with unprecedented strength and ductility through 3D printing. The alloy's unique microstructure enables cooperative deformation of two phases, resulting in ultrahigh strength and enhanced ductility.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 3, 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.

Using artificial intelligence to control digital manufacturing

Researchers at MIT have developed a machine-learning system that uses computer vision to monitor the 3D printing process and correct errors in real-time. The system successfully printed objects more accurately than other 3D printing controllers, enabling engineers to incorporate novel materials into their prints with ease.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateAug 2, 2022

How to help assembly-line robots shift gears and pick up almost anything

A University of Washington team created a new tool that can design a 3D-printable passive gripper and calculate the best path to pick up an object. The designed grippers and paths were successful for 20 out of 22 objects tested, with two challenging shapes being the wedge and pyramid shape.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalACM Transactions on Graphics·DateJul 28, 2022

Researchers 3D print sensors for satellites

MIT scientists have developed 3D-printed plasma sensors that can be produced for tens of dollars in a matter of days, ideal for CubeSats. The sensors use a glass-ceramic material and can withstand wide temperature swings, measuring energy and conducting chemical analyses to predict weather or monitor climate change.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalAdditive Manufacturing·DateJul 27, 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.

3D printing nickel single crystals using laser additive manufacturing technology

Researchers at NIMS and Osaka University successfully fabricate nickel single crystals with minimal crystalline defects, paving the way for widespread use in heat-resistant jet engine components. The technique eliminates grain boundaries, resulting in stronger high-temperature materials.

SourceNational Institute for Materials Science, Japan·JournalAdditive Manufacturing Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 12, 2022

University of Houston research allows for 3D printing of 'organic electronics'

The University of Houston research team has successfully developed a method for 3D printing organic semiconductor devices using multiphoton lithography, enabling the creation of highly conductive microstructures. The technology has potential applications in emerging fields such as nanoelectronics and bioelectronics.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateJun 24, 2022

Smart implants to monitor healing

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have developed self-powered smart implants that can monitor spinal fusion healing in real-time. The implants use a new class of multifunctional mechanical metamaterials to record pressure and stresses, generating their own power and providing crucial information about the healing process.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateJun 23, 2022
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

UBCO researchers change the game when it comes to activity tracking

Researchers at UBC Okanagan have created wearable human motion devices that can track a multitude of activities, including breathing and muscle contractions. The devices use a two-dimensional inorganic nanomaterial called MXene alongside a conductive polymer for electromagnetic interference shielding.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia Okanagan campus·JournalCarbon·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJun 16, 2022

New solution for stem cell manufacturing

Researchers have developed a unique 3D printed system to harvest mesenchymal stem cells from bioreactors, which can be used for various treatments. The system combines microfluidics and 3D printing to process adult stem cells, potentially making stem cell therapies more widely available.

SourceUniversity of Technology Sydney·JournalBioresources and Bioprocessing·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 15, 2022

‘Snapping’ footwear to help prevent diabetic foot complications

Researchers have developed unique self-regulating footwear for persons with diabetes, featuring snapping mechanisms that distribute pressure evenly. The sandals can be customized to an individual's foot dimensions and walking style, promoting faster healing of injured regions and preventing further injuries.

SourceIndian Institute of Science (IISc)·JournalWearable Technologies·DateJun 13, 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.

Closed-loop additive manufacturing fueled by upcycled plastic

Scientists at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have created a simple process to upcycle ABS, a popular thermoplastic used in everyday objects, into a more robust material compatible with industry 3D-printing methods. The upcycled version boasts enhanced strength, toughness and chemical resistance.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalScience Advances·DateJun 13, 2022

Direct sound printing is a potential game-changer in 3D printing, according to Concordia researchers

Researchers at Concordia University have developed a new platform technology called direct sound printing (DSP), which uses soundwaves to produce new objects. The process creates sonochemical reactions in minuscule cavitation regions, generating pre-designed complex geometries that cannot be made with existing techniques.

SourceConcordia University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 31, 2022

Controlling cells with a laser beam

Researchers at TU Wien develop a method to guide individual cells with laser precision, enabling reproducible production of artificial tissue and testing new drugs without animal testing. The technique involves adding special molecules to hydrogel surrounding cells, which become softer and more permeable when activated by a laser beam.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 30, 2022

A helping hand for robotic manipulator design

MIT researchers develop an interactive design pipeline enabling users to create customized robotic hands with tactile sensors. The platform streamlines the process, allowing users to adjust palm and fingers and integrate tactile sensors, resulting in complex tasks like picking delicate items or using tools being performed flawlessly.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateMay 25, 2022
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Toward customizable timber, grown in a lab

Lab-grown plant material can be precisely controlled for physical and mechanical properties, such as stiffness and density. The researchers use a 3D bioprinting process to grow custom shapes and sizes of plant material.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalMaterials Today·DateMay 25, 2022

Korea Maritime and Ocean University scholars find key to reducing defects in multimaterials

Researchers from Korea Maritime and Ocean University have developed a way to synthesize high-performance functionally graded materials with minimized defects. By controlling the mixing gradient of component materials, they improved mechanical properties and eliminated interfacial cracks.

SourceNational Korea Maritime and Ocean University·JournalJournal of Materials Research and Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 18, 2022

3D-printed acoustic holograms against Alzheimer's or Parkinson's

Researchers at Universitat Politècnica de València have developed 3D-printed acoustic holograms that can open the blood-brain barrier, allowing for precise administration of therapeutic drugs to treat Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. The technology enables controlled focusing of ultrasonic beams on specific brain structures.

SourceUniversitat Politècnica de València·JournalIEEE Transactions on Biomedical Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 17, 2022
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.

Teaching underwater stingray robots to swim faster and with greater precision using machine learning

Researchers at Singapore University of Technology and Design developed a new machine learning approach to model underwater robot dynamics, allowing for efficient swimming in complex environments. The approach, published in IEEE-RAL, uses deep neural networks to predict required flapping motions for a set of given propulsive force targets.

SourceSingapore University of Technology and Design·JournalIEEE Robotics and Automation Letters·DateMay 11, 2022

3D printing: Advanced optical methods that enable new tissue scaffolds

Researchers have developed advanced optical 3D printing methods for creating tissue scaffolds with controlled structure and scale, mimicking native extracellular matrices. These methods offer high precision, cost-effectiveness, and potential for broader applications in tissue engineering.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·JournalLight: Advanced Manufacturing·DateMay 8, 2022

The 4D-printed beetle that changes color when it gets wetter

A researcher at Eindhoven University of Technology has successfully printed a 4D-beetle that changes color when it gets wetter. The beetle uses iridescent properties and is made from liquid crystal technology, which allows it to respond to external stimuli like humidity.

SourceEindhoven University of Technology·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 6, 2022

Tangle no more, nanotubes

Researchers develop less-corrosive solutions using methanesulfonic acid, p-toluenesulfonic acid and oleum acids to separate and process nanotubes. The new method enables scalable production of advanced materials with excellent electrical and mechanical properties.

SourceRice University·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 27, 2022
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.

Reforming coral reefs using 3D printing

Researchers developed a 3D printing method to preserve coral reefs, using natural structure data and environmental DNA sampling. The process creates customizable structures that can be tailored to specific reef environments, promoting biodiversity and supporting regrowth.

SourceBar-Ilan University·JournalScience of The Total Environment·DateApr 26, 2022

Making 3D printing truly 3D

A group of researchers from Harvard University developed a novel technique to print entire volumes without support structures, eliminating the limitations of traditional layer-by-layer approach. By using an upconversion process and nano capsules, they create self-supporting resin that hardens in three dimensions.

SourceHarvard University·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 22, 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.

Stanford engineers develop new kind of 3D printing

Researchers have developed a way to print 3D objects within a stationary volume of resin, removing the need for support structures. This technique uses triplet fusion upconversion nanocapsules to create blue light, enabling the printing of complex designs with improved efficiency and reduced material usage.

SourceStanford University·JournalNature·DateApr 20, 2022

New technology 3D-prints glass microstructures with rays of light

Researchers at UC Berkeley have developed a new way to 3D-print glass microstructures using computed axial lithography (CAL), which produces objects with higher optical quality and design flexibility. The CAL process enables smooth surfaces and complex geometries, making it ideal for manufacturing microscopic glass objects.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 19, 2022

MIT engineers introduce the Oreometer

Researchers subject Oreos to various tests, finding that the cream almost always separates onto one wafer, regardless of flavor or amount of filling. The team's study provides insights into the properties of yield stress fluids and offers a new approach to understanding non-Newtonian materials.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalPhysics of Fluids·DateApr 19, 2022

Want to 3D print a kidney? Start by thinking small

Researchers at Stevens Institute of Technology are pushing through technical barriers in organ printing by leveraging decades-old technique and computational modeling. The team aims to create any type of organ at any time, including skin on an open wound, using microfluidic bio-printing.

SourceStevens Institute of Technology·JournalScientific Reports·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 13, 2022
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Microscaffolds – a new strategy in tissue engineering

Researchers at TU Wien have developed a new approach to produce artificial tissue using micro-scaffolds with a diameter of less than a third of a millimetre. These scaffolds can accommodate thousands of cells and enable high cell density and control over mechanical properties.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalActa Biomaterialia·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 12, 2022

New 3D Printing technique: a game changer for medical testing devices

Researchers have developed a new 3D printing technique to fabricate microfluidic devices with precise channels at the microscale. This breakthrough allows for accurate creation of channels in clear resin, enabling applications such as COVID-19 detection and cancer research.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 11, 2022

An alternative low-cost technique to produce metal powders for 3D printing

A team of researchers at Indian Institute of Science has identified an alternative technique to produce metal powders for 3D printing, side-stepping the problems with atomisation. The new method uses surface grinding to create spherical powders with comparable quality to commercial gas atomised powders.

SourceIndian Institute of Science (IISc)·JournalManufacturing Letters·DateApr 6, 2022

Touchy subject: 3D printed fingertip ‘feels’ like human skin

Researchers at the University of Bristol created a 3D-printed artificial fingertip that produces nerve signals similar to those from human tactile nerves. The innovation could improve robot dexterity and prosthetic hand performance by giving them an in-built sense of touch.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 5, 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.

Artificial hail for more accurate weather forecasts

Researchers at Mainz University created artificial hailstones using a 3D printer to study their behavior in a vertical wind tunnel. The experiments revealed that the form of hailstones determines their velocity before impact, which can affect the severity of precipitation events.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalJournal of the Atmospheric Sciences·DateMar 25, 2022

Direct generation of complex structured light

Researchers have developed a direct method for generating complex structured light through intracavity nonlinear frequency conversion. This technique uses transverse mode locking to produce vortex beams, which are then converted into second-harmonic generation beams with distinct structural characteristics. The study demonstrates the p...

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics·DateMar 18, 2022

Sustainably sourcing coal waste

The project aims to find efficient ways to use graphene particles from domestic coal wastes in Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) 3D printing, increasing the carbon content of filaments and developing new materials. This technology could lead to a more sustainable future by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·DateMar 16, 2022