At the core of a promising new development in biomedical engineering is a nano-reinforced composite material composed of a fat-like triglyceride and nanoscale hydroxyapatite. Hydroxyapatite, a natural component of bone, plays a dual role in this material: it provides essential mechanical strength and offers a biocompatible surface that encourages the growth and integration of bone cells. Studies conducted in 2024 demonstrated that these properties support the gradual integration and eventual replacement of the implant by the body’s own tissue.

Dr. Thomas Willett from the Department of Systems Design Engineering observed that existing successful methods for bone grafts were highly complex and skill-intensive. This observation led him to explore engineering solutions, particularly the use of 3D printing, to simplify the production of bone grafts. He emphasized that 3D printing not only enables the creation of custom grafts but also allows for the integration of engineered features to secure the graft in place, eliminating the traditional reliance on metal screws and plates.

Walmart, in partnership with 3D printing company Alquist, has completed the expansion of a Supercenter in Owens Cross Roads, Alabama using large-scale 3D concrete printing (3DCP). As part of a pilot project to explore innovative construction methods, the companies built a 5,000-square-foot pickup area for online orders in just seven days—a major improvement in speed and efficiency over traditional construction.

The project utilized two large-format 3D concrete printers to produce 16-foot-high wall segments in a total of 75 hours. A five-person crew was able to complete the structure about 50% faster than conventional building methods, showcasing the potential for rapid deployment in commercial construction.

A clever 3D-printed model by the maker “Overton Prints” is providing gardeners with a humane and effective way to manage woodlice (also known as pillbugs) in their garden beds. Shared for free on the Thingiverse platform, the design can be printed using any standard FDM 3D printer, making it accessible to hobbyists and gardening enthusiasts alike.

Rather than eliminating the woodlice, the goal of the design is to relocate them from sensitive garden areas to locations where they can continue their beneficial role in decomposition—such as compost heaps. The trap works without any bait. Instead, it uses the natural behavior of woodlice, which are drawn to cool, damp, and dark environments. The printed model is designed to recreate this ideal microclimate, making it an attractive refuge for the pests.

An interdisciplinary project at the University of South Florida (USF) is leveraging 3D printing to enhance ophthalmological research focused on dry eye disease. This collaboration between the Morsani College of Medicine and the USF IT 3D Print Lab centers on developing a specialized, curved test model to support a newly designed laser scanner. The goal is to improve measurement accuracy of the tear film thickness on the cornea, a key factor in understanding and diagnosing dry eye conditions.

A major obstacle in this type of imaging diagnostics is the complex, curved geometry of the human cornea. Traditional calibration tools, such as the flat 1951 USAF Resolution Test Chart, are inadequate for scanners intended to map curved surfaces. To overcome this, the USF 3D Print Lab team, led by Lucas Tometich, designed a model that closely replicates the natural curvature of the cornea.