The 3D-printing medical breakthroughs of the year (so far): Functionalize

Functionalize Inc. (Seattle, WA) began shipping what it calls the world's most conductive 3D-printing filament earlier this month. It is said to be the first plastic filament that enables 3D printing of circuit boards, flashlights, lighted wearables and a host of other products.

Although medical applications are at the idea stage, that hasn't stopped company founder and CEO Mike Toutonghi from suggesting some possible directions: "Imagine the possibility of today's 3D-printed prosthetics being able to sense pressure through conductive pads in the fingertips."