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SYNOPSIS:

In support of government initiatives in 3D printing, the NIH is making high-quality, scientifically accurate 3D printable files available through an online, open access portal. Few such files can be found on the Web, and most users lack the necessary 3D modeling skills to design custom scientific 3D models. The NIH 3D Print Exchange (3Dprint.nih.gov) allows users to discover, share, and create bioscientific and biomedical 3D models that are ready to download and print in 3D. The site already includes hundreds of 3D models, and users are empowered to create their own 3D models through open source, web-based tools and video tutorials, and to share tips and tricks with the community in a discussion forum. Physicians and patients can also use the Exchange to visualize disease processes and treatments through 3D prints of medical imaging data. Students, teachers, and parents will find accompanying worksheets and lesson plans for use in STEM education. In the coming months, the Exchange will announce a nationwide challenge, calling on students to create their own 3D bioscientific models, to encourage use of 3D prints and 3D modeling techniques in the classroom. 

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