After 40 million years roaming the earth, the rhinoceros has reached a point where it is classified as “critically endangered”—the Western black rhino has been declared extinct , and only one, single Northern white rhino is left alive on the planet. These majestic creatures have only one predator: humans. Rhino horns are highly prized by some in China and Vietnam as both status symbols and as an alternative “remedy”—one with no basis in medical fact. In the hope of curbing the poaching of rhinos, San Francisco-based biotech firm Pembient is planning to flood the market with 3D-printed synthetic rhino horn that is genetically very similar to the real thing. The company also plans to launch a synthetic rhino horn beer later this year in China. Read the rest of Will Pembient’s 3D-printed rhino horn save the species from extinction? Permalink | Add to del.icio.us | digg Post tags: animal poaching , conservation , endangered animals , pembient , rhino beer , rhino china , rhino conservation status , rhino horn , rhino medicine , rhino poaching , rhino vietnam , white rhino
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Will Pembient’s 3D-printed rhino horn save the species from extinction?
