A collaborative University of California study demonstrated the use of Smartphones paired with a 3D printed device that can incorporate Elisa plates allowing smartphones to detect viruses such as HIV and West Nile in the field.

The Star reported that a Toronto cteenager, concerned about his mother's irregular heart rhythms, built a wrist device that detects a heart beat and can make a virtual phone call.

Tarek Loubani, an emergency physician working in the Gaza strip, has 3D-printed a 30 cent stethoscope that beats the world's best $200 equivalent as part of a project to bottom-out the cost of medical devices.

Ravid Koriat Barkan, a recent graduate of the Bezalel Academy of Arts and Design in Jerusalem, created a bottle/syringe hybrid that allows for extremely accurate measurements of the amount of milk given to a premature baby.  The system can also manually feed the baby directly from the mother’s breast, or if necessary, by connecting it via a feeding tube directly into the baby’s stomach.

After clearance from FDA 510(k) for CASCADIA Titanium Systems, K2M group is all set to become the leading company in the world for complex spinal solutions. K2M is excited to have their CASCADIA Cervical Interbody System working top on priorities, which is an innovation designed to relieve suffering for patients with degenerative spinal disorders.

London studio Layer has unveiled it's 3D printed Wheelchair that is set to go practical. This Wheelchair is made after taking exact dimensions of seats and footrests, while also account for weight of customer. It will take 2 weeks to be create this customized wheelchair.

While Alex, a military automative engineer, designed a cheap cost Vein finder for his girlfriend, it also became a breakthrough how effectiveness of 3D printing can not always mean cost. This Battery powered DIY device is easy to use and penetrates skin, fat tissue and oxygenated blood with ease.

NovaCast, a mexican mediprint, creates customized 3D printed Plaster cast which overweighs normal plaster in every concept. It doesn't absorb sweat, causes less skin infections, is 1/10th light-weighted, invisible to x-rays and you can take bath while wearing it. There's no way ordinary plaster can beat this 3.5 hours-to-make 3D printed plaster cast.

Researchers at Northeastern University have developed medical hardware which can be 3D printed specific for any sized newborn. The matching geometry with patient will help avoiding complications like puncturing veins and injuring delicate tissues.

Scientists are now working with Computer simulation and 3D Printing to develop faster and safer ways of testing medical devices without actually installing them in live humans. Since these medical devices for heart and vascular diseases will be tested on 3D Printed models, the long list of Animal testing, Clinical trials and FDA approval will be surpassed.

Drone delivery service Flirtey, in collaboration with Dr. Amukele, plans to test ship-to-shore drone delivery in Cape May, New Jersey, on June 23rd. Their hexacopters will carry 5.5 pounds of cargo, travel at about 30 mph, and will greatly assist in delivering blood samples from disease outbreaks to testing facilities.

Australian Society of Medical Research will present latest diabetes treatment developments at SAHMRI, Adelaide. The researchers will be presenting replacement for insulin producing cells, and some further set of developments.

New Oculus Rift CV1 virtual reality headset hardware is somewhat tricky for glass users. Thanks to 3D printer design for Oculus Rift CV1 prescription lens adapter by Thingiverse member Jegstad, this issue is finally resolved.

FDA has issued draft guidance for 3D printed medical devices which includes recommendations for testing and characterisation. However, Regulatory Affairs Professionals Society (RAPS) added- “FDA says the guidance is not intended to address 3D printed products containing biologics, cells or human tissues" but FDA waits for public comments.

MediSieve, the developer of a magnetic filter device, treats malaria by capturing and removing malaria infected red blood cells. It received a Pathfinder Award from the Wellcome Trust of £102,000, enough to fund a 12-month project to manufacture and test clinical prototypes of its device.

The 3D Printed Sneezometer is a spirometer designed by University of Surry researchers to tackle lung problems before they occur. Being the cheapest and most-sensitive, it can measure speed of sneeze and measure lung capacity, helping to diagnose lung diseases like Asthma and Sleep apnoea.

Johnson and Johnson recently partnered with an HP subsidiary to develop medical and consumer products using 3D Printing. Although believed to be done under pressure after underperforming in Pharmaceutical, J&J is still looking forward to revive their company fortunes.

Oventus, an Australian-based medical device company will preview O2Vent device this week at the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine events in Denver. Oventus devices have a breathing airway at the front of the appliance that delivers air to the back of the mouth bypassing multiple obstructions from the nose, soft palate and tongue, thus targeting patients of Sleep Apnoea and Snoring.

Metamason is the first company to 3D print CPAP masks, used for Obstructive Sleep Apnoea. With $3M raised by seed funding from 3P Equity Partners, company is currently looking forward for FDA Clearance & Clinical Trials For 3D Printed CPAP Masks.

Stereolithographic (SLA)3D Printers have been used by UCL School of Pharmacy and FabRx Ltd researchers to develop anti-acne masks which can deliver the topical salicylate for acne. Using 3D scanner to print nose, and then creating 3d print, this face mask will load salicylic acid topically, providing patients with quick and affordable treatment for acne.

AIDS is one of the diseases where patients require to take many medications to keep up with increased immunity loss. To tackle the issue of carrying so many pills, nursing students of Caldwell University have developed a unique pillbox for such patients. While the course, they worked on their design with interim director of Jennings LIbrary Ellen Johnston.

Morriston Hospital in Swansea is testing a revolutionary and attracting looking new Splint to help people with damaged brachial plexus causing paralysis, by connecting the spine to the upper limbs. This research project is the result of Mr.Lloyd, surgical design expert Dominic Eggbeer and 26-year-old patient Tom Wheeler and is being trialed by kickboxing champ Leif Thobroe.

Stryker’s Spine division has developed Tritanium Posterior Lumbar (PL) Cage, a 3D-printed inter-vertebral body fusion device that aids in lumbar spinal fixation for patients with degenerative disc disease. This will be introduced at the American Association of Neurological Surgeons Annual Meeting April 30–May 4, 2016, in Chicago and is expected to be widely available for orthopaedics and neurosurgeons in mid-2016.

Medicrea, announced FDA approval of the first-ever patient-specific UNiD™Cervical rod for spine surgery, secured by their complementary PASS OCT® posterior cervical stabilization system. Being the only medical device company offering patient-specific implant solutions for spinal conditions, it rolled out it's first implantation of the UNiD™ Patient-Specific Cervical Rod in New York City on February 17,2016.

Utkarsh Tandon, an Indian American kid from California, 3d printed a medical device for Parkisnon's patients called OneRing inspired by Lord of Rings movie for which he won California State Science Fair and given grant from UCLS Brain Research Institute. The plastic ring contains a microchip and records wearer’s movements as Dyskinesia, Bradykinesia, and tremor.

RAPID Conference was held at Orlando, US from May 17-19,2016. Many world-wide companies attended the conference with zeal and there were many medical gears worth eye catching, including the Titanium hip, Patient Specific device manufacturing and a Custom printed porous skull implant.

3D Systems, a 3D printer company, recently announced its standardized curriculum for Bronchoscopy on the Simbionix BRONCH Mentor™ virtual reality training simulator in collaboration with American College of Chest Physicians(CHEST). This Curriculum Module for Essential Bronchoscopic Skills and Diagnostic Bronchoscopy is targeted to provide most relevant training and assessment within a realistic mode of practice.

Xiaolei Wang, and his colleagues from NanChang University, have developed antibacterial materials based on silver nanoparticles enclosed in carbon membranes that act as switchable capsules. These switchable smart bandages, when pressed, causes the layers to interact, releasing the active silver particles and changing the color from white to orange, showing the bandage is on.

Student researchers from University of Leeds, UK, have developed Project ALAN (Advanced upper-Limb Autonomous Neuro-rehabilitation) with its first component being myPAM, an assistive system engineered to help NHS deal with Stroke. To help post-stroke patients move and re-engage their upper limb muscles,they will be assisted by myPAM which has been 3D printed using OctoPrint.

Researchers from the Cybernetics Department of the Military University of Technology in Warsaw have developed 3D Printed Artificial Hearts from Zortrax M200 3D printers, which are currently being used for research purpose solely. However, company is looking forward to use these Artificial 3D Printed Hearts as transplants in patients.

A team of students from Gonzaga University have developed an Ankle Foot Orthosis (AFO) which can be 3D Printed within 2 days compared to weeks. This AFO is produced after using 3D Scanner to get accurate measurements, and then printing it using CAD software.

Jonathan Grossman, an Industrial designer at global design firm Frog, San Francisco, designed a better nasal version of Nalaxone administering device which will auto-administer Nalaxone to Opoid victims. Since nasal version is first to respond to opoid overdose, Grossman used 3D Printer to beat the odds of previous versions with this Narcon Device.

Nano Dimensions ltd announced today that they filed a patent application with US for printing of shielded conductors combined in a Printed Circuit Board (PCB). They have developed a 3d printing method that creates printed sheaths to shield conductors like insulated cables.

GuardLab, a 3d scanning mouthguard company, announced "Joey Bats" Bautista as their new brand ambassador and athlete to advisory board. One of the brands is Lower Performance Mouthguard, a unique neuromuscular guard, developed with the help of two world-class dentists using proprietary methods.

Researchers from Tel Aviv University (Israel) have managed to engineer a Nanotech ‘heart patch’ which could enable remote monitoring and regulation of a patient’s heart. Currently replacing the infarcted heart muscle, it is worked upon to sense acute attacks and deliver drugs instantly in response to heart damage.

Students of Lynbrook High School’s Advanced Design and Innovation Class are studying 3D printing, and they’re using it to design adaptive and assistive devices for children, namely the children at St. Mary’s Hospital. Using the design and drafting skills, they are building devices like customized wheelchair trays, adaptive spoons, cause/effect toys and iPad stylus pens.

iMcustom announced today the official launch of the first-ever 3D scanning and insole printing system. This system will move additive manufacturing (3D printing) inside of medical & retail stores nationwide giving consumers accurate 3D foot scans in minutes along with a personalized insole recommendation that can be 3D printed in the store, within 2 hours.

Ultimaker has invited developers to design and print an innovative 3D printable Star Wars gadget which is worth a challenge put up with worthy prizes. The 1st prize will be an Ultimaker 2+ which they showcased at CES 2016 while runner ups will receive Colorfabb nGen filaments.

Yano De Laet was born with cerebral palsy but with help from 3D printed assistive devices, he is now able to walk with a new hands-free walker called the Hibbot. Hibbot is an ergonomic walking assistance system designed with collaboration between engineer Dirk Wenmakers and physiotherapist Ria Cuppers.

Engineers from University of Pennsylvania have developed a test kit for diagnosing Zika Virus which could cost as less as $2 and doesn't need electricity or technical information of usage. Made of thermos bottle and integrated heating element, the color changing will provide rapid diagnosis for zika virus and reduce mortality rate.

A group of German engineers at the University of Stuttgart led by Dr. Timo Gissibl have developed a process for creating a functional micro-camera lens. The triple lens optical head is only about 100 micrometers wide and can be can be injected into the human body with a standard syringe needle allowing for the internal examination of microscopic structures.

Special Neck Switch for19-year old Christopher Hills with Cerebral palsy and Quadriplegia, Customized Bionic eye for people with vision loss, Atari Joystick for a young Atari lover, Personalized Grip Covers for Disabled workers, uncountable prosthetics for disabled, are some of the achievements 3D Printing has been grabbing. There's still more for 3D Printing to come, and still more to present landmarks.

Some of the medical breakthroughs achieved by 3D Printing Technology include Bone models, Kidney models, fetal models using ultrasound of mother womb, First FDA-approved 3D Printable Pill- Spirtam, Dental SG for dental education, Sutrue-an automated suturing device, open-source designs to download, Brain Tumor models, Live Thyroid injected in mice, Alginate Ear Implants and finally a tiny 3D Printed Medical Camera.

Ottawa Hospital of Canada is revolutionizing the medicine with 3D Printed Body parts and research prototypes. With replica body parts as surgical guides, customized prosthetics, low-cost medical devices, surgical tools and even new skin for burn patients, Dr. Frank Rybicki is seeing to generate a commercial hub for themselves.

Researchers from University of Aberdeen are working on the new technology with the Ministry of Defence's science and technology laboratory that aims to better diagnose head injuries among soldiers. They are working to develop a 3D Printed Portable Ultrasound that would create a 3D model of the brain on location and it could then be used for swift diagnosis.

Team of researchers from Institute for Integrative Nanosciences at IFW Dresden, Germany, have developed spermbots, a tiny metal helix that attaches to individual sperm cells and help them move. Fit over sperm cells to treat infertility, team used 3D laser lithography to create the helix.

Researchers at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory are working on 18-month study in collaboration with Autodesk Research, a 3-D design software company, to design the helmet that can prevent brain injuries suffered in sports. Experimenting on different materials for the Helmet, Silicone seems to be perfect for foam pads while they will continue to patent new discovering during the on-going project.

Gary Chang & Michael Lu, the FAM technology developers from Stanford have developed an IV Injection Trainer based on cutting edge 3D printing FAM technology. It was presented at recently held CES Asia conference in Shanghai and now has been extended for clinical use to medical students offering a human-like touch with its silicone pad and more durablibility. It can be easily customized as per preferred hardness, skin color, vein diameter & depth.

With launch of Jet Fusion 3D Printing Solution, the first 3D Printer by HP which is “ten times faster, half the cost”, the company had been looking for new powders for the Jet Fusion printer, for which they announced an Open Platform model calling developers for the Powder Materials. Evonik, a German specialty chemicals maker, has replied to the call and going in partnership with HP to produce new powder 3D printing materials for the HP Jet Fusion 3D printer. Other material developing company including Arkema from France and BASF from Germany had also joined the venture.

Single-Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) imaging calibrating with 3D printed phantoms have appeared to be the best for patient-specific absorbed dose calculations for molecular radiotherapy requiring accurate activity quantification. These 3D printed phantom inserts can significantly improve the accuracy of whole organ activity quantification for molecular radiotherapy and are cost effective and efficient way.

Materialise announced the opening of a new 3D Printing Centre of Excellence in Malaysia which will aim to become a competence center for DLP 3D printing technologies. The teams at the facility will also investigate 3D printing anatomical models and other medical devices with DLP technology to further enhance the functionality of Materialise’s 3D printing software suites for the benefit of end-users working with DLP 3D printers.

Researchers and Students at the University of California, Riverside have created a Lego-like system of blocks that will enable users to make chemical and biological research instruments quickly, easily and affordably. The blocks, which are called Multifluidic Evolutionary Components (MECs) because of their flexibility and adaptability are designed to work together, and users can build apparatus--like bioreactors for making alternative fuels or acid-base titration tools.

The FDA issued draft guidance on 3D-printed devices in May and has already cleared 85 medical devices and one prescription drug manufactured via 3D printing. The guidance has been open for comments until August while the officials note the rules stop short of addressing products that involve biological material.

Dr. Jose Gurrola, an assistant professor of rhinology at UVA has initiated a program that will involve students practicing nasal endoscopy on 3D Printed Skulls. They can introduce a camera in front of the nose and perform nasal endoscopy virtually, so as to learn hand-eye coordination, learned movement and ways of minimizing any collateral damage to patients of chronic recurring sinusitis, chronic upper respiratory infections, severe nasal obstructions, nose bleeds, etc.

With recently getting the clearance from US FDA for O2VentTM Mono device, Oventus Medical has now successfully registered its listing on the ASX on 19 July 2016 with a fully subscribed IPO. The company’s O2VentTM  range incorporates an airway to bypass nasal, soft palate and tongue obstructions. The company has also registered its next generation O2VentTM T titratable device with the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) and launched the device for consumers through an expanded network of dentists.

Researchers from Advancing Innovations Biosciences have developed a Bio-sample collection solution using an open source Printrbot Play 3D printer for $750. Team at AI Biosciences took a low-cost Printrbot Play, modified it by replacing the extruder with a magnet based tip-comb attachment and further used that to conduct particle-based nucleic acid extractions. Then they programmed the 3D printer to move about its available axis to collect up to 12 samples simultaneously in under 13 minutes.

MatterHackers, Ultimaker, e-NABLE and Pinshape recently teamed up to launch a design contest- Within Reach. The contests ask to create a 3D printable tool to assist individuals with limited use of their hands and the winners will be judged by Dave Gaylord, Jen and Ivan Owen, Les Hall and Brandy Leigh Scott. The entry can be made till September 6th and prizes include 3D printers from Ultimaker, MatterControl T10 3D Printer Controllers, MatterHackers PRO Series Filament, and MatterHackers gift cards.

University of Wollongong, Australia has rolled out a free online course on Medical Bio-Printing that will teach the participants about the basics of 3D Printing body parts such as hip implants and facial implants. The 4-week interactive course will teach the story of 3D Printing revolution, introduce participants with commonly used biomaterials, including metals, ceramics and polymers, and how bioprinting techniques, such as selective laser melting, hot-melt extrusion and inkjet printing, work. Finally, the participants can grab their own Certificate of Achievement after completing the course.

Professor Wu Jun, director of the Burns Institute at the Southwest Hospital in Chongqing and his fellow researchers are working on 3D Printed Custom Skin to match the wounds of burn victims. Currently experimenting with pig skin, he stated that in printing skin, the biggest challenge is the ink and the process is expected to be finalized within two to three years. With 3D Printed Custom Skin, they will be able to help patients with burns with faster recovery, reduced risk of infection and eventual scarring.

Team of Researchers at Multiply Labs have launched their first Personalized Supplement in market which consists of Vitamins, Minerals and others like Caffeine and Omega 3 and comes in form of capsule which is half an inch long and contains only pure elements, no additives. These capsules are 3D printed with FDA-approved pharmaceutical polymers, and then filled by a robotic system and moreover, Multiply Labs allows you to design own pills by specifying the supplements and quantities of desire.

A three hours long workshop was held at Queen Sirikit National Institute of Child Health through the help of ProgressTH, a Bangkok-based makerspace and media platform that works in numerous areas to enhance communities through organizing workshops. The workshop called Nurses and other healthcare professionals to use SketchUp Make, a user-friendly drawing tool suitable for makers on all levels and learn more about 3D Printing Technology.

Periodontist Professor Saso Ivanovski, from Griffith University’s Menzies Institute has announced that he has developed a way to engineer missing bone and tissue in the gums and jaw by using a patient’s own cells after 5 years of research. This will involve taking CT scan of patient's damaged region which will be sent to bioprinter to 3D Print new part and the whole procedure will decrease the significant pain, nerve damage and postoperative swelling. National Health and Medical Research Council has granted it $650,000 for the potential it holds in dental industry.

Amos Dudley, a broke graduate student, designed his own orthodontics to correct his own teeth for which he used Stratasys Dimenstion 1200es. Obtaining the 3D Printer, he used retainer material Keystone Pro-Form .030 plastic purchased from eBay and finally made all of his aligner steps, as well as a riser, while eliminating ‘draping artifacts’ as well as saving time.

UFC and GuardLab, a New-York based company, have joined hands announcing a global licensing agreement to create custom mouthguards for fighters and fans using 3D Printing Technology. The product called ‘Mouthguard Revolution’ is 3D Printed on high-resolution 3D printers and the prices starts from $249 for adults or $150 for the under 18.

Thierry Oquidam from France, IT Director in communication started volunteering to help as the e-NABLE Matcher for all of Europe and later delivered the first 3D printed e-NABLE hand in France to a young fellow named Maxence. He has made 7 devices and the whole e-NABLE France chapter has delivered 9 devices so far with currently 15 in process for the recipients requiring 3D Printed Hand or Arm. He is currently seeking donations in form of 3D Printers or materials to create more devices and help more people in need.

Olympic Champion Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce will be wearing 3D Printed Shoe from Adidas at the Rio de Janeiro for the women’s 100m preliminaries on August 12th. The 3D Printed Shoe called Zoom Superfly Elite Shoe has been designed after intensive testing and ditching of traditional screw-in spikes by Adidas. Superfly Elite has been said to provide the right amount of support, withstand the repeated impacts and it has to be lightweight.

Aaron Brown of AXISLAB3D, an e-NABLE Community volunteer and sponsor of January CREATE T.I.M.E Design Challenge started working on 3D Printing when he sold his truck to buy first ROBO3D Printer. Till date, he has created over 50 devices for children in need with his most recent recipient, a young girl and her family who came to visit him at his 3D print shop in Grand Rapids, MI.

DesignworksUSA, the BMW-owned creative consultancy and the Official Mobility Partner of the United States Olympic Committee, used a 3D scan of US Paralympian Athlete Josh George on his chair and created 3D models, including the athlete in the procedure, that could fine tune the aerodynamics. The new redesign will help the athletes be more comfortable and enhance performance since it is lighter than aluminum and also provides greater torsional rigidity and stiffness.

In response to increasing requests for public safety/forensics solutions and criminal cases, FARO have designed FARO Forensic ScanArm Solution equipped with FusionM ScanArm, a versatile, portable scanner that utilizes blue light technology to perform fast, high-resolution scans of forensic artifacts without needing to touch or move them. The ScanArm is also bundled with 3D Systems’ Geomagic software for quick, high-quality 3D modeling and printing.

3D Printed casts have appeared as one of the useful tools of the technology since the designs are lightweight and the plastic features round openings allow for more breathability. These openings make it easier for doctors to access the broken limb, as well as making daily tasks more manageable for the patient. Comparatively, 3D Printed Cast Design helped with determining skin health, and it made re-dressing wounds easier. Companies like Xkelet, based in Spain, have gained recognition for their cast whose clinical trial will be starting in September. However, their prices continue to be cause of worry.

Melbourne neurosurgeon Paul d'Urso and founder of Anatomics had been making customized 3D print cranial implants such as custom sternum and ribcage for cancer patients. But the Australian Private Funds have denied rebates as the 3D printed implants are not regulated or listed on the federal government's Prostheses list. They are looking forward for more support so that the industry would be able to process Australia's abundant titanium into the inks and powders used in 3D printing.

e-NABLE has launched an Android App called Augmented Reality Raptor Reloaded Assembly Manual which available on Google Play Store and has been created specifically for e-NABLE ommunity by Derek Delizo, a junior in electrical engineering at University of Washington Bothell,along with mentors Rafael Silva andIvan Owen. The main goal of this new AR learning app is to teach the volunteers how to assemble prosthetics on their own.

Veronica Yoko Plebani, an Italian athlete who suffered impairments to both hands and feet due to bacterial meningitis, is now ready to hit Rio Olympics 2016 with the help of 3D Printing. Marco Avaro, a Biomedical Engineer and part of the WASPmedical team 3D printed the perfect braces for Veronica to hit up the canoeing.

California-based Earlens Corporation have introduced a newer variety of hearing aid that uses light to enhance hearing. Similar to contact lens, the lens attaches to eardrum through surface tension. The device consists of three parts: a light tip, a custom-fitted lens and a photon processor which transmits sound waves to the light tip, which converts the sound into non-visible light.

Lake Placid, New-York based Create Orthotics and Prosthetics is launching integrated medical grade 3D Printing system which allows clinical practitioners to design 3D Printed devices in their own clinics. Currently allowing eight unique devices, the cost has been reduced by 65% and works with Flexy Fit prosthetics filament for light weight devices.

Team of researchers headed by David Scott at MIT Lincoln Laboratory's Technology Office Innovation Laboratory (TOIL) are now working on ways of improving the 3D Printed Prosthetics. Better finger motion, non-electronic temperature, motor technology and tactile feedback are the starts, and they can be added to any e-NABLE prosthetics at a cost around $350.

Shawn Jones, who received Shapeways Education Grant 2016 has revealed a 3D Printed Prototype of Prosthetic that will allow not just walking or running, but also swimming. Working with Operation Blue Pride (OBP), a non-profit organization, he will use the $1,000 grant to launch the device and help veterans who lost their limb to swim.

The contest WithinReach, started on July 11th and ended on Sepember 6th was held by MatterHackers was held by MatterHackers inviting designers of all ages to participate in the event and create a 3D Printable tool to assist individuals with limited use of their hands. The event saw 203 entries out of which 6 winners were selected. The grand prize went to two students, Nima Yahyaabady (grade 7) and Aidan Mansell (grade 9) for NailIt.

Syqe Medical, an Israeli drug delivery company has introduced a 3D Printed Medical Marijuana Inhaler which can deliver metered doses of cannabis or weed, thereby providing a controlled treatment. The inhaler will be free of smoke or other carcinogenic materials, and is expected to be distributed by Teva Pharmaceuticals, once the FDA approval is gained next year.

A team of researchers from Penn State University, with the support from National Institutes of Health (NIH), have developed a method called 3D near-field electrospinning, or 3DNFES that combines 3D printing and electrospinning, which uses an electric charge to spin nanometer threads from a polymer solution or melt. This new method can be used to place single micrometer-scale fibers, on several different substrates, in a predefined spatial organization, and therefore create framework scaffolds for living tissue.

Global Good and IV Lab scientists were developing an accurate diagnostic method for Tuberculosis that costs less to manufacture, is easy to use, and works more quickly than traditional diagnostic methods. However, they were troubled with failures and delays, for which they looked towards Carbon and its DLS-powered M Series 3D printer which helped IV Lab to speed up the Product Development Cycle and successfully field test over 1,000 3D Printed TB diagnostic tests.

ActivArmor, a Colorado-based company recently received Advanced Industries Accelerator Grant of $750,000 to develop 3D Printed Waterproof Casts that will prevent water or bacteria from invading the casts. On the other hand, 3D printer comparison website Aniwaa was selected as one of three startups to receive investment funding under the $5 million Smart Axiata Digital Innovation Fund (SADIF). The CEO and Co-founder Martin Lansard believes the funding will help them grow the 3D Printing Industry.

T3D, a spin-off from National Taiwan University of Science and Technology (NTUST, unveiled their smartphone-powered 3D Printer at Inside 3D Printing Shanghai 2015. The Kickstarter campaign was set up since 2012 and it finally managed to raise $160,093 this September for their resin-based 3D Printing. The smartphone 3D printer can cure a 100 micron layer in 15 seconds; it features Bluetooth connectivity and uses a patented UV-curable resin.

San Francisco-based Aether has announced a project collaboration with UniSA to pursue a 3D bioprinting research breakthrough in contraception using their own Aether 1 3D Bioprinter and the project is being funded by a grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. The goal of the project is to develop an in vitro oviduct model, which will replicate the “spermatozoa capacitation process” in order to screen natural products and novel drugs which will target this process in the oviduct, resulting in a brand new contraceptive paradigm.

Researchers at Duke University have used 3D inkjet printing to create a diagnostic tool that has the potential to be better than ELISA, the diagnostic test for a variety of diseases like HIV AIDS. The 3D printed biomedical tool, called D4 Assay, can be used in point-of-care settings to screen patients, has high accuracy and can reduce the time of diagnosing from days to 15 minutes. It is a self-contained test in the vein of a lab-on-a-chip that can detect low levels of antigens from a single drop of blood. The scientists used inkjet technology to print an array of antibodies onto a glass slide with a nonstick polymer coating.

Logan Williams, a student at the University of Canterbury, has developed a 3D Printed Polarized Lens called the Polar Optics that help fight against Epileptic Seizures caused by Photosensitivity. The lens combat the effects of flashing lights through refraction of light entering the wearer’s eyes and therefore reducing the intensity of light to reduce the damage done.

Researchers from Institute for Integrative Nanosciences (IIN) at IFW Dresden in are working to develop a Biohybrid Sperm Microbot, which could be used in the future to deliver anti-cancer drugs like doxorubicin hydrochloride to cancerous tumors in women’s reproductive tracts, and help in cancer like Cervical Cancer. The tests had already been successful, the team is just working to make the invisible drug delivery system a bit more accessible to hospitals and simultaneously monitor the spermbot’s movement inside the body in real time.

During the recent project, where researchers from Northwestern University were implanting a 3D Printed Working Ovary in mouse, Adam Jakus, a postdoctoral fellow in Professor Ramille Shah’s lab, was preparing 3D printing ink made from ovarian cells which he accidentally spilled, ultimately leading to discovery of “Tissue Paper”. This “Tissue Paper” can be used to restore normal hormone function to young cancer patients and restored fertility to women. Research team is planning to use it to repair organs and bioactive Band-Aid that would facilitate the healing of a wound.

Researchers from Brigham Young University (BYU) in Utah have developed the first working microfluidic device that’s small enough to be effective at a scale less than 100 micrometers using 3D Printing Technology. The key focus involved building their own 3D printer to print at a much higher resolution and using a new, specifically designed, low-cost, custom resin. Also, the digital light processing stereolithography (DLP-SLA) helped them seek low-cost approach for project.

The ENEA walking stick was designed and 3D Printed by Andrea Morgante, founder of Shiro Studio, a London-based architectural design firm, in 2009. The ENEA stick is developed from a porous internal structure that mimics trabecular bone tissue, and this porous internal structure allows the walking stick to be lightweight yet sturdy, as does its 3D printed construction. The walking stick is stylish yet strong, and also features a twiglike protrusion near one end so that it can be hooked onto desks, tables or counters.

Pedro, 16-year old, suffered stroke in 2012 which left him with his right hand affected by spasticity and lose fine movement. A team collaborated with Polytechnic University of Catalonia (UPC) and created a custom orthotic hand swimming fin for Pedro in less than a month using water soluble PVA material and Sigma 3D printer.

Researchers at EPFL in Switzerland have developed 3D printed microstructures with a 1.0 micron lateral and 21.5-micron axial printing resolution by detailing their approach towards existing laser-based microfabrication techniques which uses two-photon photopolymerization. The research team is now working toward clinical use for their technique while developing biocompatible photopolymers and a compact delivery system.

A report was published by the Belgian Health Care Knowledge Center (KCE), identifying 3 main types of 3D printed medical devices – Customizable, Standard and Custom-made. The report addresses risks and challenges of this technology and drafts an operational framework for these devices, over viewing their effectiveness, safety, cost, and legal issues.

Researchers with Dalio Institute of Cardiovascular Imaging at New York are working to develop 3D printed, personalized soft LAA occluding devices that are customized to a specific patient’s anatomy. The team used CT images of a person’s heart and a CAD program to isolate the surface of the LAA with a 0.5 mm thick shell, adding a valve for inflation and mechanical stabilization to the design. The molds for occluder are then printed for casting and filling.

Researchers from the University of Glasgow are using a chemical-to-digital converter to digitize the process of drug manufacturing to 3D print pharmaceuticals on demand. The digital code is used by the 3D printer to make a portable factory, which can make the drug by adding chemicals in a pre-defined, fail-safe sequence, making it possible for users to synthesize nearly any compound.

Pole-Ergo, a group of French occupational therapists are working on a new project, an Adaptable Swtich or Contactor, which is a button that assists disabled people to have access over electronics. Through motor gestures without precision, it helps disabled people have way better access over computers, tablets, mobile phones or other devices. Using 3D Printing, Pole Ergo created a 3D Printed Contactor that can be modified according to the user’s motor characteristics, habits or tastes.

A Chilean startup Copper3D had recently unveiled PLACTIVE, an antibacterial 3D printing filament designed for the production of medical devices such as prosthetics and braces. Taking interest in PLACTIVE, the NASA Nebraska Space Grant is working with the University of Nebraska Omaha and Copper3D on a study of PLACTIVE and states the new material has already passed very exhaustive laboratory tests with +99.99% elimination of most dangerous bacterial strains.

A group of researchers compared conventional and digital additive manufacturing of hard occlusal stabilization splints (SS) using technical and clinical parameters and 14 subjects underwent sequence of tests and questionnaires for 12 weeks. On a scaled of great discomfort,  Conventional had a score of 42 while Additive Manufacturing performed 15, meaning 3D Printed Stabilization Splints are far more comfortable and preferred over the conventional ones.

Once a person suffers myocardial infarction or heart attack in local language, some part of heart is destroyed permanently at cellular level which cannot recover or regenerate. However, scientists have developed 3D printed cardiac patches that can be used to repair hearts damaged by heart attacks, but only about five have been produced worldwide. A group of researchers 3D printed a world-first stretchable microfiber scaffold with a hexagonal design to which added specialized stem cells called iPS-Cardiomyocytes, which began to contract unstimulated on the scaffold. The work has been demonstrated on the actual hearts of pigs and being planned for human trials.

ETH Zurich researchers are working on using 3D Printing Technology to create Magnets that can be used in Rotary Blood Pumps, which are the only option for patients suffering from end-stage heart failure. The traditionally available pumps tend to have the side effects of hemolysis and thrombus formation, therefore they created a filament made from thermoplastic combined with isotropic NdFeB powder, which was then used to 3D print a prototype of a turbodynamic pump with integrated magnets in the impeller and housing. The pump was 3D printed in one piece on a low-cost, consumer-level 3D printer (a Prusa i3 MK2 with a multi-material upgrade, to be exact), then the magnetic components were fully magnetized in a pulsed Bitter coil, added with MagFil, the 3D Printed Magnets, and whole process took 15 hours.