Pacemakers run on batteries which require replacement every five to ten years. A recent study with piezoelectric nano-ribbon technology could change all that. Researchers at the University of Illinois hope to one day power biomedical devices with flexible ribbons which harvest energy from the natural movements of internal organs, therefore eliminating the need to surgically remove these devices' batteries. Visit the blog for the full story.
A professor at USC has developed a giant 3D printer concept that could potentially build houses using digital floor plans. The technology, named Contour Crafting, would automate the construction process, turning layers of concrete into the floorplan of a home in just 24 hours. As the machine applies layers of concrete, the conduits for electricity, plumbing and air conditioning are embedded into the building.
The potential to build commercial properties in such a short amount of time and even apply the technology to homes of the future in space, make Contour Crafting one of the most interesting developments in 3D printing technology.