Some 100 African elephants are killed each day by ivory-seeking poachers , but a new innovation may finally put a stop to the blood-soaked illegal trade.
Austrian scientists at Vienna University of Technology developed an alternative that is 3D printed and polished to create deceptively authentic-looking substitutes.
Called Digory, it consists of synthetic resin and calcium phosphate particles, which start as a hot liquid that are then hardened in the 3D printer to form the desired shape.
Researchers note that not only is Digory easier to work with, it can also be automatically shaped, saving hours craftsmen spend painstakingly crafting ivory substitutes.