News in Brief Chemistry

Network of cell mimics comes to life

3-D printed material resembles body tissue in form and perhaps function

By Rachel Ehrenberg

- More than 2 years ago

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A new tissuelike material with the squishy stiffness of fat or brain cells can be programmed to undergo delicate shape changes, akin to the unfurling of a flower’s petals.

With a custom-built 3-D printer, scientists have created networks of water droplets bound together with a cell-like lipid layer.