The world's coral reefs are becoming extinct. Factors including global warming and accelerated urbanisation in coastal areas are placing tremendous stress on marine life and damaging coral ecosystems. 3D-printing could be one solution.
In a paper published in Science of the Total Environment, researchers from four of Israel's leading universities – Bar-Ilan U., Technion, University of Haifa and Tel Aviv University – highlighted a 3D-printing method they developed to help preserve coral reefs.
The research project is based on the natural structure of coral reefs off the southern coastal Israeli city of Eilat, but the model is adaptable to other marine environments and could help curb reef devastation plaguing coral ecosystems around the world.
"The rapid decline of coral reefs has increased the need for exploring interdisciplinary methods for reef restoration," explained Natalie Levy, a member of the research team.
"Examining how to conserve...