3D Printing Lab and Cancer Study at the University of Alabama

The University of Alabama is taking 3D printing education to a whole new level.  While many colleges and universities are primarily focusing this type of advanced technology for classwork instruction in engineering applications, UA is actually using it to help find a cure for cancer.

In February of 2014, the UA 3D Printing Lab unveiled its very first 3-dimensional model of the molecular structure of a G-quadruplex DNA sequence.  This model is already being used in many pre-clinical studies around the world in their attempts to find a cure for pancreatic and many other forms of cancer.  The DNA model is so intricately complex, constructed with numerous areas of stacked functional groups, that scientists were having an extreme difficult time in visualizing its genetic makeup.  Thanks to the UA 3D Printing Lab, that problem is solved forever.

The success of the UV model is attracting worldwide attention of both university administrators and future college’s students alike due to its proven unlimited possibilities that 3D printing education can transcend into any field of study.  This technology is no longer just for engineering enthusiasts any more.  Students who specialize in 3-dimensional printing now have proof that they will be able to find an infinite variety of 3D printing jobs available to them after graduation in nearly any area of expertise imaginable.