While we've seen 3D printed flowers used as unique works of art and advertisements, they've also proved to be very helpful when used to study plant evolution, and they can even have applications in the field of soft robotics. This is what a team of scientists from Nanyang Technological University (NTU) in Singapore are currently studying, within the fascinating field of biomimetics. They've used shape memory composites to create a 3D printed, photoresponsive device: a synthetic flower that blooms on its own whenever it's exposed to light. By studying the blooming 3D printed flower and the material used to create it, chemists at the university believe that the unique material could be used to help create new opportunities for developing soft robotics and smart biomimetic devices. Read more at 3DPrint.com: http://3dprint.com/181197/3d-printed...onsive-flower/