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# LEGO-Like Scientific Tools
'MECs' Let Scientists Custom-Build Unique Tools from Scratch

By Joey Haar | Published 2016-07-21 | Tech
Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/scientific-tools
References: [gizmodo](http://gizmodo.com/lego-like-blocks-let-scientists-custom-build-their-own-1783922889) & [journals.plos.org](http://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0158706)

The entire premise of scientific study is to foray into unknown fields, which means that the scientific tools used in any new study often need to be built from scratch. In fact, current scientific practice allots much of the time during studies to making these new tools. Now, though, researchers from UC Riverside have created what amounts to scientific [LEGO](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-evolution-of-stem) that allows scientists to easily put together unique scientific tools quickly and easily.

The LEGO-like materials are known as multifluidic evolutionary components, or MECs. Used mostly thus far for designing purpose-specific electronic equipment, the MECs can create high-tech, high-cost scientific tools quickly and cheaply through the use of a [snap-on interface](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/eyeq-switchdisc) and [3D printed blocks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/makerworld-cyberbrick). Aside from trailblazing research, MECs could be useful for hospitals that need equipment replaced soon after breaking down.

## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter)

- Score: 2.5/10
- Popularity: 17% | Activity: 49% | Freshness: 8%
- Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women
- Primary generations: Gen X
- Top markets: North America

## 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

- **Custom-build Tools:** MECs allow scientists to custom-build unique scientific tools quickly and easily.
- **Snap-on Interface:** The use of snap-on interface in MECs enables quick and easy assembly of high-tech scientific tools.
- **3D Printed Blocks:** MECs utilize 3D printed blocks to create cost-effective scientific tools.

### Industries Being Reshaped

- **Scientific Research:** MECs have disruptive innovation opportunities for the scientific research industry, allowing for more efficient tool creation and customization.
- **Electronics Manufacturing:** The use of MECs in designing purpose-specific electronic equipment presents disruptive innovation opportunities for the electronics manufacturing industry.
- **Medical Equipment:** Hospitals could benefit from the disruptive innovation opportunities offered by MECs in quickly and cost-effectively replacing broken medical equipment.

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