Markus Kayser - Solar Sinter Project

This doesn't look quite ready for prime time just yet, more of an art project/proof of concept stage for now, but...

The concept of 3d printing using sand (assumedly very pure sand, maybe not the stuff that's surrounding the 3d printer in the open desert) is pretty outstanding there, and the bowl looks awesome.

Mostly similar video but with slightly different edit after the jump...

Robotic ray is part animal, part machine

Frankenstein, here we come.

Or Frankenstein's monster if you'd rather.

Or just Frankenstein if you really want to be pedantic.

I caught this video from the Science journal article that goes into more detail than does the above, silent film video (sadly lacking a mustache twirling badguy). In all honesty, the idea of tuning heart cells to contract in response to light stimulus - which is then designed to create waves of motion within the 'string ray' - is pretty phenomenal.

Making Materials That Heal Themselves

I'm thinking we don't need more sciency-people wearing button-down, plaid, short-sleeve shirts. That's sort of like a dorky stereotype there.

Am I wrong?

One of the common drawbacks of polymers that I always mention in class is that they can't be easily repaired. Maybe someday I'll be able to stop saying that.