A shellfish artist
Homeless crustaceans are no more! Hermit crabs finally get to carry their favorite tiny cities on their tiny backs. Artist Aki Inomata used CT scanning to create detailed, miniatures skylines using 3D printing. And the crabs have never been happier.
Image via Facebook
Leaf it to the scientists
National Geographic covered how scientists used spinach leaves to replicate a vascular system, then grew human tissue around the “spinach scaffolding,” which solves a lot of existing issues with 3D printing methods for skin tissue. With the veins of the leaf enabling the moving of liquids (whether water or blood) through the cells, this is an excellent step towards how we might be able to more accurately replace damaged human tissue. And, it’s definitely the most innovative way to get your greens.
Creepy, Crawly, Roboty
The future’s not far away where everything will be a touchscreen and everyone will have “robot skin.” Which is why MIT researchers developed a device inspired by the golden tortoise beetle, which changes color when poked. As the device’s crossbars stretch, it chances color, recognizing its position. You have to see it to… understand it.