Today’s Solutions: December 15, 2024

3D printing lunar LEGO bricks

3D printing lunar LEGO bricks to test out building on the moon

BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM For decades, scientists and space enthusiasts have been fascinated by the idea of building permanent structures on the Moon. Addressing the unique obstacles of building in space has prompted academics to create novel solutions. One such achievement combines Read More...

3D-printed polypill covers all

3D-printed polypill covers all your medication for the entire day

Keeping track of many medicines and dosages might make it difficult to remember to take medication. However, a new invention in healthcare could provide a remedy. Researchers at the University of Nottingham pioneered the notion of 3D-printed "polypills," which aim to simplify drug regimens and Read More...

New dimensions in medicine: wi

New dimensions in medicine: will we soon be able to 3D print inside the human body? 

DECEMBER 21ST, 2023 UPDATE: This solution is a Reader’s Choice selection of 2023! Thank you for nominating the solutions that left you feeling optimistic this year. A collaborative team from Duke University and Harvard Medical School announced a groundbreaking technology for performing 3D Read More...

Water purification revolutioni

Water purification revolutionized by a sustainable 3D-printed "living" material

Researchers at the University of California, San Diego, made an astounding discovery that could change the way we deal with water contamination. They developed a revolutionary "engineered living material" that promises not just effective pollutant removal but also sustainability and Read More...

Young man enjoys big and tasty breakfast at downtown cafe, prepares delicious sandwich or toast with avocado spread and smoked salmon on top.

The time has almost come for vegan lab-grown salmon filets to hit the market

Over the past few years, there’s been a lot of buzz around meat alternatives—lab-grown meat alternatives that are— that will help those who don’t want to sacrifice the taste and “mouth feel” of real animal products ease into a more sustainable, eco-friendly, and a plant-based Read More...

Smiling happy woman sitting on medical couch while doctor showing options for implants

New 3D-printing technologies could revolutionize breast reconstruction

Though some opt to get breast implants for purely aesthetic concerns, breast implants are also part of the healing process for many breast cancer survivors and individuals in transition.  Right now the two main kinds of breast reconstruction are silicone implants and flap surgery. Flap surgery Read More...

The Parthenon is a temple on the Athenian Acropolis in Greece, dedicated to the goddess Athena.

An authentic solution to the Parthenon’s missing marble

Each country has its national symbols of pride—from the Notre Dame de Paris to the Pyramids of Giza, to the Taj Mahal—that serve as a reminder of its rich history. However, due to the West’s colonial past, many incredible creations are not in their place of origin; instead, they are found Read More...

Close-up of a woman's ear and hand through a torn hole in the paper. Yellow background, copy space.

Doctors transplant 3D-printed ear made from patient’s own cells

A 20-year-old woman born with a small and malformed ear received a new 3D-printed ear made up of her cells. The ear, which was designed to perfectly match her other ear, was successfully transplanted onto her head earlier this year in a clinical trial. The company behind this impressive feat of Read More...

E. Coli Bacterium

This swimming robot shows how bacteria move

We all know it takes some practice learning to swim in the ocean with waves and riptides pulling at us. With some practice and experience, though, it becomes a fun, even fulfilling pastime. Now, imagine how hard it would be if the ocean were tar instead of water.  This is essentially what it is Read More...

A volumetric 3D printed yellow boat.

3D printing is finally… 3D

The birth of 3D printing has opened up whole new worlds of possibility regarding the accessibility, cost, and sustainability of certain materials. From the creation of 3D-printed houses, hearts, and furniture, this incredible planet-saving technique is growing in popularity as each year Read More...