3D Print a Home on Mars? #MakerBotMars Challenge Winners!

Makerbot ran a great contest to 3D print a home on Mars.   In cooperation with NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, contestants were challenged to create a mars base that could deal with the harsh conditions, dust storms, lack of oxygen and radiation found on the red plant.  Here are some fun Mars facts to give an idea of the challenges.  There were some great entries borrowing from nature with honeycomb to borrowing from the ancient engineering with a pyramid.  Head on over and check it out!

3D Printed Religion?

So today is Fat Tuesday that is followed by Ash Wednesday tomorrow, so I figured we’d talk religion and 3D printing…yes, there does appear to be some connections and not just a 3D printed Jesus!  Jahovah’s Witnesses do not believe in receiving blood transfusions and this often limits their ability to undergo lifesaving surgery.  Here’s a great example of a blood recycling device made with 3D printed parts where new technology can save lives while still respecting religious beliefs. Continue reading