Reading other ecology focused blogs has become a vital part of my introduction to the blogging world. Understanding others opinions and developing my own viewpoint is what makes many blogs so interesting to read in the first place. With that in mind, today's post is made up of debates surrounding highly controversial 3D printing and its applicability for future biodiversity. It almost sounds like the stuff of science fiction, especially in the case of a pizza being made by a food printer! However, where the 3D printer could become one of the most incredible technological innovations of all time dubbed the 'next industrial revolution' (Sutherland et al. 2013) is through its use in nature and biodiversity.
Sinpetru (2013) explores the use of 3D printing in artificial coral reef design. Reef Arabia and Dshape have found a way to create life-like artificial coral reefs that could provide suitable homes for marine species. This is especially urgent in a world where through anthropogenic impacts the ocean is acidifying and corals are disappearing.
Scientists plan to create these reefs using a non toxic sandstone material similar to the material of real life corals. The first corals to be printed were 1m high and possessed the detail of natural coral reefs.
With the Great Barrier Reef losing half its coral and the demand placed on recreational and commercial fisheries it has increased the urgency for a way to conserve the reefs. This is just one possible opportunity to offset the anthropogenic threats posed to coral reefs.
It is not just coral reefs that could benefit from 3D printing. Sutherland et al. (2013) explored the possibility that 3D printing could in fact be used instead of emission producing factories to print just what is needed, decreasing waste production and emissions which can both be harmful to the planet and biodiversity. Could 3D printers be sustainable? I think this is all a bit of a stab in the dark at the present moment. However, if you are interested in emerging technologies that are trying to help save the planet and provide a technological fix then this is an interesting idea to keep on your radar!
Till next time.
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