Paul Cryan shows a 3D-printed tool

Paul Cryan shows off a 3D-printed bat tool.

There are lots of cool tools to study bats, but tools like bat detectors are expensive, which can limit how many of these devices scientists can deploy and how much data they can gather. USGS scientist Paul Cryan is trying to solve this problem with 3D printing. 3D printing allows you to design, test, and build bat audio and video recording devices, more cheaply and accessibly, and customize it to your specific needs. The 3D printed tools are made of recyclable materials and are waterproof and hardy—perfect for field conditions.