A 3D-Printed Splint for Faster Healing

Anyone who’s worn a cast understands the many setbacks: it’s itchy, you can’t shower with it and you’re left with a tanline by the time if comes off. So after tearing a ligament in his arm, Scott Summit—the senior director of functional design at 3D systems—turned to 3D printing as an alternative to the primitive fiberglass wrap, resulting in a next-level skeletal splint. While it’s …

Scientists Create a Water-Leaping Robot

Turning to nature for inspiration, South Korean scientists have created a robot that can jump on water. The miniature invention is based on the Water Strider—an insect that’s capable of walking across the surface of water—and is made up of four hydrophobic legs and a spring-loaded body that ties them together. Just after the spring is released, the microbot’s legs make minor rotations, prohibiting it …

Humans are Evolving to Walk and Text

While technological advancements are meant accommodate the way people live, sometimes humans are the ones that must adapt to technology. This is especially noticeable when walking with a friend who’s texting. As new research suggests, they subconsciously “shorten their step length, reduce step frequency, lengthen the time during which both feet are in contact with the ground and increase obstacle clearance height,” effectively modifying their …