McGill University researchers Chanhong Cao and Justin Puma were among a team awarded this year’s Ig Nobel Technology Prize for their work with mosquito-based 3D printing. Dubbed “3D necroprinting,” the process involves using proboscides (mouthpieces) from deceased mosquitos as nozzles to print highly precise structures. Researchers noted that while traditionally manufactured micro-nozzles can cost upwards of $80 each and can be extremely brittle, mosquito proboscides are cheaper, consistent in size, and made of 100% organic material. Researchers hypothesize that this technology could one day be used to produce detailed components like microfluidic chips.
The Conversation
