Capture That Dinosaur!

Or at least capture their footprints. Most dinosaur species are now extinct, save for those that fly, but the large extinct versions occasionally left behind amazing fossil footprints. We've been reading a report of how palaeontologists have been using 3D scanning techniques to capture detailed 3D models of these fossilized prints for later analysis. According to SMU paleontologist Thomas L. Adams:

 

The model duplicates an actual dinosaur footprint fossil that is slowly being destroyed by weathering because it's on permanent outdoor display. 

 

We think there's another use: 3D printing the footprint, which we feel would be a terrific model to display on a wall or coffee table. It may even be possible to print the "negative shape" - in other words, print the footpad itself by printing the hollow portion of the footprint. 

 

Where there's 3D model information available, there should be 3D printing, too. *Stomp*

 

Via Science Daily

 

Reminder: Don't forget you can enter to win one of two free admission tickets to the thingmakers conference in London on May 4th. Enter here!

Microscopic 3D Models

We're always looking for new sources of 3D models to print, and we found another potential source: microscopic imaging. Scientists at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute Janelia Farm Research Campus are using a special microscopic high-speed imaging (e.g. video) system to capture moving images of teeny things in action, like a single cell dividing, for instance. 

 

We think data from these experiments could likely be converted into very cool 3D models suitable for printing. Who knew that the surface of cells could be so unusual? We would if we had printed out models of them. Imagine printing versions of a cell as it goes through its lifecycle.

 

Bringing the microscopic into the macroscopic world should be one of the common uses of 3D printing - if only the models were a bit more available. 

 

Via Kurzweil

Printing Carcasses

Continuing with the biology-meets-3d-printers theme today, we've run across a dark hobby: printing 3D models of animal carcasses! Designer Harry Allen has scanned and modelled a dead firefly, and then implanted an LED to create an unusual lighting system.

 

He's also scanned a deceased piglet to create an actual "piggy bank". Perusing his portfolio we also see a 3D human hand, which we presume to be taken from a live model.

Via Harry Allen Design, No Smarties and Boing Boing