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New discovery allows 3D printing of sensors directly on expanding organs
In groundbreaking new research, mechanical engineers and computer scientists at the University of Minnesota have developed a 3D printing technique that uses motion capture technology, similar to that used in Hollywood movies, to print electronic sensors directly on organs that are expanding and contracting. The new 3D printing technique could have future applications in diagnosing and monitoring the lungs of patients with COVID-19.
[...] The researchers started in the lab with a balloon-like surface and a specialized 3D printer. They used motion capture tracking markers, much like those used in movies to create special effects, to help the 3D printer adapt its printing path to the expansion and contraction movements on the surface. The researchers then moved on to an animal lung in the lab that was artificially inflated. They were able to successfully print a soft hydrogel-based sensor directly on the surface. McAlpine said the technique could also possibly be used in the future to 3D print sensors on a pumping heart.
Journal Reference:
Zhijie Zhu, Hyun Soo Park, Michael C. McAlpine. 3D printed deformable sensors [open], Science Advances (DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.aba5575)
What could possibly go wrong?
(Score: 2) by Bot on Saturday June 20 2020, @09:57AM (3 children)
As a rule of thumb in modern medicine, the more complex the therapy the more likely it encounters no problems in bring adopted. So it's likely red carpet unrolled for this one. Just remember to pay your insurance.
Account abandoned.
(Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Saturday June 20 2020, @10:20AM
Pretty soon there will be a 3d printer that can reconstruct you from only a severed hand... or nose.
(Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Saturday June 20 2020, @05:09PM (1 child)
Because the simpler treatments/therapies haven't been arbitrarily banned/restricted by the FDA yet.
(Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Saturday June 20 2020, @05:12PM
err ... I meant because the more complex therapies/treatments haven't been banned or restricted by the FDA yet.