3D Printing and Paleontology

Paleontologist Kenneth Lacovara of Drexel University has began introducing 3D Printing technology into his work already some time ago. Back in February of 2012, Drexel University announced that they will use 3D printing for reproducing scaled robotic models based on actual dinosaur bones in order to test dinosaur locomotion.

Later Dr. Lacovara expanded the use of 3d printing to print copies of fossils and other materials discovered during digs in order to allow scientists all over the world to have access to replicas of his finds. This will enable them to analyze his discoveries without traveling to his lab. It may also prove helpful as a classroom tool.

See video here.

Math / Art and a Transformation Geometry Exercise

Here’s a Geometric translation exercise that also poses a question that I personally find interesting.

It’s simpler than it looks. Just follow the given instructions to first plot the set of coordinates. Then perform the two translations to unscramble the word that appears when you connect the lines between the coordinates and reveal the big question.

Here’s what you’ll get after the first translation:

And here’s image” of image’ with the question revealed: