The work opens a door for researchers trying to create conductive materials in   
   almost any complex shape at the microscopic or cellular level. "One of the   
   most promising applications is 3-D microelectrodes that could interface with   
   the brain," says Yuya    
   Daicho, graduate student at Yokohama National University and lead author of   
   the paper. These brain interfaces, rows of needle-shaped electrodes pointing   
   in the same direction like teeth on combs, can send or receive electrical   
   signals from neurons and    
   can be used for deep brain stimulation and other therapeutic interventions to   
   treat disorders such as epilepsy, depression, and Parkinson's disease.   
   "Although current microelectrodes are simple 2-D needle arrays," Daicho says,   
   "our method can provide    
   complex 3-D electrode arrays" in which the needles of a single device have   
   different lengths and tip shapes, giving researchers more flexibility in   
   designing electrodes for specialized purposes. The authors also envision   
   making microscopic 3-D coils for    
   heating applications.    
      
    Read more at: http://phys.org/news/2013-05-charred-micro-bunny-   
   culpture-material-d.html#jCp   
      
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