They were one of the first animal research projects to use DNA finger-printing techniques in wild animals so as to understand the relationships within a pride.

BBC: Lions breed better if living near joining rivers

Even though Thingiverse is more popular in the 3D printing world, it offers a number of laser cutting and laser engraving projects.

FORBES: Connect

Five of these, including projects at the Veteran Health Administration and the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, have been nominated for the 2012 Government Big Data Solutions Award.

FORBES: Big Data News of the Week: BYOD

While primarily a novelty among the tech-obsessed, 3-D printing been used successfully for a variety of tasks, from making jewelry or medical supplies to larger projects in industrial design and engineering.

CNN: Obama's speech highlights rise of 3-D printing