Shapes 3D printed into living worms could be future of brain implants

Nematode worms given glowing shapes inside their bodies show how electronics can be directly 3D printed within a living organism. The technique could one day be used to create and maintain implants or computer-brain interfaces in humans.

Electronic implants are already widespread, from pacemakers to bionic ears, but inserting them into the body can risk infection and they can be difficult to fix if they malfunction.

Now, John Hardy at Lancaster University, UK, and his colleagues have developed a technique …