The minute size of coccolithophores makes it challenging to explain their morphology to wider audiences, and so to engage their interest in these extraordinary structures. 3D printing provides the potential to address this challenge and Mario Cachao of Lisbon University has been working in this area. Here he presents instructions for recreating his latest project - a set of simple shapes which can be used to build a model of Braarudosphaera bigelowii - based on a design by his friend architect Carlos Roque.
The files are:NB stl files are STereoLithography files, as used in many 3D modelling/CAD programs, and by 3D printers.
