Last week we talked about some of the emerging technologies from Horizon Report. The topic that my group chose to discuss was 3D printing. The concept consists of making some type of blueprint through the use of architectural software or modeling software then make a 3D reconstruction of that model using metal, plastic, or resin.

During my bachelors I took a physical biochemistry course that utilized 3D printed models of proteins. Since protein structures are extremely diverse and they have the ability to move it is difficult to really understand concepts using 2D images in books. The models allowed us to have a tangible look at something on the molecular scale. Furthermore, the models allowed us to understand the kinetics of some complicated enzyme substrate interactions and how we could use models to engineer small molecule drugs. Unfortunately we did not have direct access to the printer that made the proteins. Furthermore, since our models were made out of resin they were somewhat brittle. Finally, these models cost several hundred dollars a piece (back in 2007).

I shared this information with my group in class. After discussing 3D printing with the group we mutually decided that it may be best suited for certain disciplines and applications. At the end of class we voted as a group which of the four emerging technologies is best suited for higher education (MOOCs, 3D Printing, Tablets, and Wearable Technology). While we all waited on the winners, I noticed chattering teeth and a stench of anticipation; people were just drooling to hear the results. It turns out there was a large disagreement between groups. In the end MOOCs scraped by with 1/2 the votes, while 3D printing got no love. I am not surprised since MOOCs/regular online courses are the future of education and impact the most disciplines.

For your entertainment here is some of my Alzheimer's disease model mouse behavioral data: