Quick Summary
• Researchers at Northwestern University have developed 3D printed neurons that can send signals to real brain cells and get a response back. According to the team, the printed structures could...
Additional Context
Researchers at Northwestern University have developed 3D printed neurons that can send signals to real brain cells and get a response back. According to the team, the printed structures could “talk” to living neurons. It’s an early result, but it builds on years of progress in bioprinting and adds to ongoing efforts to make bioprinted systems more functional.
For years, scientists have been able to 3D print materials that resemble parts of the human body. In some cases, they’ve even printed living cells into organized structures. But making those printed systems behave like real tissue, especially something as complex as the brain, has remained a major challenge.
Beyond biology, the work is also tied to the broader goal of developing more efficient, brain-like computing systems. By mimic