Drexel Scientists Stumble Upon a Surprising Benefit for Mosquitoes
For years, mosquitoes were viewed as nothing more than pests, responsible for millions of deaths worldwide each year through the transmission of deadly diseases. However, researchers at Drexel University and McGill University in Montreal have made a groundbreaking discovery that could change the way we view these insects - by finding a "beneficial use" for them.
A recent study published in Science Advances reveals that mosquitoes' proboscis, a long, thin tube used to penetrate human skin, can be repurposed as nozzles for 3D printing machines. The researchers discovered this potential while trying to develop a topical cream to prevent mosquito bites. Led by Drexel's Megan Creighton and Changhong Cao, the team found that the proboscis's unique structure allows it to fabricate tiny, precise structures on a microscopic scale - a skill that is difficult or expensive to achieve with conventional tools.
The implications are significant, as researchers estimate that this new technology could save millions of dollars in production costs. Currently, 3D printing nozzles made from glass can cost upwards of $80 apiece and produce only around 40 microns in detail - roughly half the width of a strand of human hair. The new proboscis-based solution could potentially reduce these costs to as little as 80 cents per nozzle.
The potential for this technology extends beyond 3D printing, with researchers suggesting that it could also be used to improve medical procedures such as injections and aid in research into diseases like organ development and tissue engineering. "Evolutions in bioprinting are helping medical researchers develop unique approaches to treatment," said Creighton.
While the idea is promising, commercial success will depend on various factors, including private investment and government support. As Creighton noted, "It becomes less about the science and more about the business." However, with this innovative discovery, it's clear that mosquitoes may be more than just pests - they could be a valuable resource in the pursuit of medical breakthroughs.
The collaboration between biology and engineering has indeed opened up new avenues for research into mosquito biology, which could hold the key to answers on how their saliva prevents blood clots and how proboscides can improve medical procedures. As researcher Ali Afify put it, "I think this collaboration between biology and engineering has discovered a beneficial use for mosquitoes for the first time."
For years, mosquitoes were viewed as nothing more than pests, responsible for millions of deaths worldwide each year through the transmission of deadly diseases. However, researchers at Drexel University and McGill University in Montreal have made a groundbreaking discovery that could change the way we view these insects - by finding a "beneficial use" for them.
A recent study published in Science Advances reveals that mosquitoes' proboscis, a long, thin tube used to penetrate human skin, can be repurposed as nozzles for 3D printing machines. The researchers discovered this potential while trying to develop a topical cream to prevent mosquito bites. Led by Drexel's Megan Creighton and Changhong Cao, the team found that the proboscis's unique structure allows it to fabricate tiny, precise structures on a microscopic scale - a skill that is difficult or expensive to achieve with conventional tools.
The implications are significant, as researchers estimate that this new technology could save millions of dollars in production costs. Currently, 3D printing nozzles made from glass can cost upwards of $80 apiece and produce only around 40 microns in detail - roughly half the width of a strand of human hair. The new proboscis-based solution could potentially reduce these costs to as little as 80 cents per nozzle.
The potential for this technology extends beyond 3D printing, with researchers suggesting that it could also be used to improve medical procedures such as injections and aid in research into diseases like organ development and tissue engineering. "Evolutions in bioprinting are helping medical researchers develop unique approaches to treatment," said Creighton.
While the idea is promising, commercial success will depend on various factors, including private investment and government support. As Creighton noted, "It becomes less about the science and more about the business." However, with this innovative discovery, it's clear that mosquitoes may be more than just pests - they could be a valuable resource in the pursuit of medical breakthroughs.
The collaboration between biology and engineering has indeed opened up new avenues for research into mosquito biology, which could hold the key to answers on how their saliva prevents blood clots and how proboscides can improve medical procedures. As researcher Ali Afify put it, "I think this collaboration between biology and engineering has discovered a beneficial use for mosquitoes for the first time."
This is just wild, right? I mean, who would've thought that mosquitoes are the key to saving money on 3D printing nozzles? 
It's crazy to think about how something so tiny could have such a big impact. But at the same time, it makes sense - those proboscis things have been around for millions of years, so they must be good at what they do! 
And now we're using that technology for medical stuff? Mind blown! 
I'm also intrigued by how this could lead to new discoveries about mosquito saliva and blood clotting prevention. Maybe it's time to rethink our view on these little guys... 
I mean, isn't this just a bit too good to be true? Mosquitoes, the ultimate buzzkill, are actually helping us out with 3D printing 
. But seriously, how did they even think of repurposing their proboscis like that? And what's up with the cost savings - $80 for a glass nozzle vs 80 cents for...whatever this new proboscis thing is made of? 
. i'm lowkey hyped about da potential 4 medical stuff too, like injections & organ devolopment 
cant wait 2 c how dis tech develops 
I'm so curious about this new discovery 
I'm also wondering, if this tech is so cheap and efficient, will we see more companies investing in bioprinting? And what about the ethics of using mosquitoes as a resource? Is it just me or are there any concerns about exploiting them for human gain? 
. And think of all the potential medical breakthroughs that could come from this - like, injections and organ development research... it's mind-blowing stuff 
. Plus, who needs expensive glass nozzles when you can just repurpose mosquito proboscises? savings are sweet! $80 to 80c per nozzle is a huge difference 
. Bring on the private investment and government support - this tech has got legs (or should I say, proboscis?) 
It feels kinda like we're exploiting them for our own gain, you know? Plus, what about the ethics of using mosquito parts in medical procedures? Could this lead to more mosquito-related problems down the line? 
I'm intrigued by the idea of using proboscis-based nozzles to improve injections and organ development research. It's a great example of how collaboration between biology and engineering can lead to innovative breakthroughs. 
lab
! Who would've thought that those pesky mosquitoes could be repurposed as 3D printing nozzles? It's crazy to think about how their proboscis can create tiny, precise structures on a microscopic scale. This tech has the potential to save millions of dollars in production costs and open up new avenues for medical research 
. It just goes to show how collaboration between biology and engineering can lead to game-changing breakthroughs 
I'm not saying they're going to save the world or anything (lol), but it's definitely cool that researchers are exploring their uses. And who knows, maybe this tech will lead to some breakthroughs in medical research. Can't wait to see where this goes! 
3D printing nozzles made from mosquito proboscis? sounds like sci-fi but apparently it's real 
. millions of deaths per year from mosquito-borne diseases, now they wanna profit from 'em? 
. Now, let's see how they can make it happen commercially... private investment and government support will be key 
? I mean, they're still pretty annoying, but hey, if we can turn their proboscis into 3D printing nozzles, I guess we should give 'em a break 
. And let's be real, who needs $80 glass nozzles when you can have proboscis-based ones for 80 cents? 
. this new tech is actually kinda cool! they figured out that mosquito proboscis can be used 4 3d printing machines, which means it could save us $$$