Now anyone can download the bones of the recently discovered human ancestor, Homo naledi, and create their own 3D-printed fossil replicas thanks to 'MorphoSource.' Project Rising Star has 86 fossil specimens that it has scanned and uploaded to the opensource site for anyone to gain access to. The fossil replicas that can be made include pieces of the skull, teeth and arms.
Anthropologists, scientists and teachers alike are all thrilled about this step forward as it makes teaching, learning and getting excited about archaeology easier. To present this less than a month after the fossils' discovery was announced is unprecedented. Regularly, it would take several years and hundreds of dollars to get a cast of a fossil like this. The example that the Rising Star Expedition has set will likely lead to a wider availability of fossils for the public's educational use.
3D-Printed Fossils
'MorphoSource' Allows Users to Download and Print Their Own Fossil Replicas
Trend Themes
1. 3d-printed Fossils - MorphoSource shows a new way of democratizing access to fossils through 3D printing technology.
2. Open-source Paleontology - The use of open-source software in the field of paleontology is a constantly growing trend that offers a more democratic and collaborative approach to science.
3. Digital Repositories for Fossil Records - Digital repositories for fossil records unlock a huge potential for scientific research and education, as technologies like 3D-printing democratize access to these resources.
Industry Implications
1. Education - The 3D-printing of fossils can complement traditional education methods, opening new ways for students to learn about the natural world.
2. Paleontology - Open-source software and digital repositories are disrupting the way paleontology is researched and democratizing access to fossil records worldwide.
3. Printing and Publishing - 3D printing fossil replicas offer a new niche market for companies that work with printing technologies, opening new opportunities for innovation and expansion.