3D
mugshots from DNA
Analysis of crime
scenes and witness reports can be more of an art than a science. One problem is
that witnesses may not recall a face clearly, and investigators can run the
risk of sending the wrong suspect behind bars if they rely too heavily on this
kind of evidence. However, new technology promises to change that.
Mark Shriver and
colleagues from Pennsylvania State University have spent months gathering 3D
images and DNA of hundreds of volunteers. Over time, they managed to plot over
7,000 facial points of reference, which have been fed in to software that links
similarities between facial features, DNA, race, and gender.
The team found that
only 20 genes with 24 variants proved to be "reliable indicators" of
facial shapes — and by using 3D printing, human heads with resemblance to the
volunteers were created based on their DNA. In future, if there is DNA at a
crime scene, it is possible that suspects faces can be printed from it, and
witness reports may be less of a factor in proving a crime.
3D
printed clothing
The N12 bikini is
the first ready-to-wear garment produced purely through 3D printing technology.
Designed by Continuum fashion, in cooperation with the Shapeways 3D Printing
online printing store, the N-12 is composed of tiny nylon disks that hook
together. Each component — including the strap, cups, and halter — are printed
and sold separately, amounting to roughly $300 to own one for yourself once you
snap each part together.
Make
your own musical instruments
3D printing can
supply us with medical devices, guns, and vehicle parts, but it can also
include the musical realm. Two examples: One, the Dreaming Pipes project on Kickstarter,
wants to allow 3D printing enthusiasts to create their own set of bagpipes at
home. Considering the cost of traditional models, such a scheme could bring
more pipe players into the fold. Secondly, the ATOM 3D printed guitar is on
sale. Inspired by Les Paul, the bodies are fully printed from nylon, and each
feature a wooden inner core. The guitars are dyed to order, and each one will
cost you $3,500.
A
food 3D printer
Natural Machines
has launched the “Foodini 3D food printer” via a Kickstarter campaign. The
Foodini Printer comes with empty capsules, which the user fills with whatever
foods they wish. By using the printer's touchscreen display, you choose the
shape and settings you want in order to create your dish. There are also
pre-programmed recipes for dishes, including pumpkin gnocchi, pizza, burgers
and cookies. The point of the invention is to remove the hassle of cooking, but
encourage you to use fresh food rather than sticking to pre-packaged food.
3D
printed meats
The future production
of food is likely to be a problem as the human population expands and so do our
meat requirements. Scientists are trying to create test-tube burger meat in
labs to prepare for the potential crisis, and the Thiel Foundation has awarded
Modern Meadow funds to try and create bio-printed meat to satisfy the human
need for protein. Modern Meadow wants to use 3D printing to create synthetic
meat in a less resource-hungry manner.