Overview

• The technique programs tiny internal patterns to tune directional strength and stretch to match soft tissues such as skin and organs, supported by a predictive formula.
• A single-step process embeds fluid-filled microcapsules that release blood-like liquid when cut, improving tactile and visual feedback.
• In a preliminary evaluation, surgeons reported superior tactile realism and cutting response compared with standard training models.
• The work was published in Science Advances on August 29, 2025, led by the University of Minnesota with collaborators at the University of Washington.
• Backed by U.S. Department of Defense funding, the team is pursuing scale-up, varied organ geometries, and materials that respond to tools such as electrocautery.