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We 3D Printed a Brain

Join us on this fascinating journey as we delve into the world of 3D printing and bring a brain to life. From designing the complex neural networks to layer by layer printing, we’ll take you through the entire process of creating a realistic brain replica using cutting-edge 3D printing technology. Witness the intricate details and textures that make this brain model a true marvel of modern innovation. Whether you’re a science enthusiast, a 3D printing aficionado, or simply curious about the possibilities of additive manufacturing, this video is sure to leave you amazed and inspired. So, sit back, relax, and get ready to explore the incredible world of 3D printing.

World’s first 3D-printed brain tissue that mirrors human brain function

🧠💡 Thinking about organ transplants?

🔬 A team of scientists at the University of Wisconsin–Madison has achieved a groundbreaking milestone!

🌐 They’ve developed the world’s first 3D-printed brain tissue that mirrors human brain function.

🚀 This is a giant leap forward for research into neurological and neurodevelopmental disorders.

🖨️ Utilizing a horizontal layering technique and a softer bio-ink, this 3D-printing method allows neurons to weave together, forming networks similar to those in the human brain.

🔍 This precision in controlling cell types and arrangements opens new doors for studying neurological conditions, including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.

A 3D-printed Christmas tree made entirely of ice

A team of physicists from the University of Amsterdam’s Institute of Physics has 3D-printed a Christmas tree made entirely of ice. Researchers Menno Demmenie, Stefan Kooij and Daniel Bonn used no freezing technology or refrigeration equipment—just water and a vacuum. In time-lapse videos, you can see how the Christmas tree is printed and how it melts again when the vacuum pump is turned off. The work is published on the arXiv preprint server.

The secret of the tree lies in so-called evaporative cooling. This is the same principle mammals use to regulate their body temperature.

In a low-pressure vacuum chamber, water evaporates rapidly at room temperature. As each water molecule evaporates, it takes with it a small amount of heat, causing the remaining water to become increasingly colder, eventually cooling to below 0°C. At that point, the water is still liquid, but supercooled. As soon as the ultra-thin stream (about as thin as a human hair: 16 micrometers) hits the already formed layer of ice, it freezes instantly.

How 3D printing creates stronger vehicle parts by solving aluminum’s high-temperature weakness

Aluminum is prized for being lightweight and strong, but at high temperatures it loses strength. This has limited its use in engines, turbines, and other applications where parts must stay strong under high temperature conditions. Researchers at Nagoya University have developed a method that uses metal 3D printing to create a new aluminum alloy series optimized for high strength and heat resistance. All new alloys use low-cost, abundant elements, and are recycling-friendly, with one variant staying both strong and flexible at 300° C.

The study is published in Nature Communications.

3D-printed helixes show promise as THz optical materials

Researchers at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) have optimized and 3D-printed helix structures as optical materials for terahertz (THz) frequencies, a potential way to address a technology gap for next-generation telecommunications, non-destructive evaluation, chemical/biological sensing and more.

The printed microscale helices reliably create circularly polarized beams in the THz range and, when arranged in patterned arrays, can function as a new type of Quick Response (QR) for advanced encryption/decryption. Their results, published in Advanced Science, represent the first full parametric analysis of helical structures for THz frequencies and show the potential of 3D printing for fabricating THz devices.

Revitalizing liver function in mice with liver failure through transplantation of 3D-bioprinted liver with expanded primary hepatocytes

Year 2024 face_with_colon_three


3D-bioprinting livers based on expandable primary hepatocytes and liver-specific bioink could save mouse liver failure.

3D printing researchers develop fast-curing, environmentally-friendly concrete substitute

Researchers at Oregon State University have developed a quick-setting, environmentally friendly alternative to concrete they hope can one day be used to rapidly 3D print homes and infrastructure.

Also known as additive manufacturing, 3D printing is already being used to help solve construction challenges such as the global housing crisis that’s emerged as Earth’s population approaches 8.5 billion.

But cement, the binding agent in concrete, accounts for about 8% of the planet’s carbon dioxide emissions, and concrete’s curing time—which can be multiple days—and required structural supports can inhibit progress on construction projects.

Laser-assisted 3D printing can fabricate free-standing thermoset-based electronics in seconds

Thermosets, such as epoxy and silicon rubbers, are a class of polymer (i.e., plastic) materials that harden permanently when they undergo a specific chemical reaction, known as “crosslinking.” These materials are highly durable, heat-resistant with excellent electrical insulation in various applications such as in adhesives, coatings, and automotive parts.

Thermosets are also widely used to fabricate electronic components, including switches, circuit breakers and other core circuit components.

So far, thermoset-based free-standing devices have proved difficult to construct by using conventional 3D printing processes. One key reason for this is that the materials need to be provisionally supported by other supporting objects until they become solid, which adds more steps to the printing process.

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