The human brain is a fragile and powerful tool, and is also fully dependent on a sturdy skull to keep it secure and intact. Unfortunately for some, there is a need for cranial reconstruction on people who were either born with a skull-related deficiency or critically injured in the head area. 3D printing has shown itself to be a potential game-changer in this regard; we have already witnessed successful titanium mesh skull replacements 

The project, which is taking place within the

As research on these 3D printed stem cell cultures continues to unfold, the Royal Perth Hospital research team is working towards improving the outcome of these cranial reconstructive surgeries, while simultaneously increasing the cost-efficiency of this advanced method. The Western Australian government’s 2015 Research Translation Project (RTP) is geared to provide two years worth of project funding to the team. Hopefully this will be enough time for this surgical solution to become both widely successful and easily affordable.