# 3D-Printed Fossils The Sam Noble Museum is Remaking History By Omar Yusuf | Published 2011-09-21 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sam-noble-museum References: [treehugger](http://www.treehugger.com/files/2011/09/jurassic-park-meets-3d-printing.php) & [blog.ponoko](http://blog.ponoko.com/2011/09/18/recreating-dinosaurs-with-3d-printing/) Much is changing in the world of palaeontology thanks to the researchers at Sam Noble Museum, who are printing out detailed fossils of [ancient dinosaurs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dinodex) for their displays. Normally, museums engaged in [natural history](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/royal-ontario-museum) don't actually setup real dinosaur remains in their exhibitions. After almost 70 million years beneath ancient strata, the bones are too brittle and delicate to risk accidents. Instead, the displays shown to audiences are made from moulds that take time, money and effort to develop -- but not anymore! The Sam Noble Museum of Norman, Oklahoma has begun scanning the fossils, recreating them in virtual space and finally [printing them out using 3D printers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/3dprinting-resin). The result is often a 10-foot monolith that's convincing enough to frighten children on school trips. It's encouraging to see the work at Sam Noble Museum, proving the almost infinite uses for 3D-printers. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.5/10 - Popularity: 15% | Activity: 22% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Science](https://www.trendhunter.com/science) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **3d-printed Fossils:** Opportunity for museums and educational institutions to create highly realistic and durable fossils using 3D printing technology. - **Virtual Space Recreation:** Potential for virtual reality technology to recreate and interact with ancient fossils, providing new educational and research opportunities. - **Advancements in Scanning Technology:** Disruptive innovation potential in improved scanning technology to accurately capture and replicate delicate ancient fossils. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Museums and Exhibitions:** Museums can utilize 3D printing to enhance their displays with accurate and visually impressive fossils. - **Education:** Educational institutions can incorporate 3D-printed fossils and virtual reality experiences to engage students and enhance learning about paleontology. - **Technology and Manufacturing:** Advancements in scanning technology and 3D printing can drive innovation and advancement in the technology and manufacturing sectors. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Dinosaur Fossil Puzzle Sets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-dinosaur-fossils-trex-skull.md) - [Dinosaur-Themed Puzzle Sets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dinosaur-fossils-triceratops-skull.md) - [Natural History Museums](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/natural-history-museum-abu-dhab.md) - [Dinosaur Intricate Puzzle Sets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dinosaur-fossils-tyrannosaurus-rex.md) - [AI-Powered Dinosaur Tracking Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dinosaur-footprints.md) - [Museum-Replicating Puzzle Sets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/natural-history-museum-set.md) - [Dinosaur-Themed Leather Bags](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/labgrown-leather-ltd.md) - [Interactive Fossil-Inspired Costumes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wearable-dinosaur-costume.md) - [History Museum Garden Renovations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/londons-natural-history-museum.md)