Summary: Shark Skin from a 3D Printer! Episode 60 by Mary Bates (Click here to directly access the MP3) (Access the full text transcript) Scientists and engineers have long been intrigued by how the shark’s rough skin helps it glide effortlessly through the water. Now, a team of scientists have used 3D printing to create an artificial shark skin. Tests with their synthetic skin show just how shark skin saves energy and boosts swimming speed. Listen to the Podcast to learn more! For more information: Wen, L., Weaver, J. C. and Lauder, G. V. (2014). Biomimetic shark skin: design, fabrication and hydrodynamic function. J. Exp. Biol. 217, 1656-1666. Mary Bates is a freelance science writer living in Boston. She has a Ph.D. in psychology from Brown University where she studied bat echolocation. You can visit her website at www.marybateswriter.com and follow her on Twitter at @mebwriter.
