Can LEGO Bricks Help Save the Coral Reef in Singapore?

Of all the amazing things one can do with LEGO bricks, can they also help save Singapore’s coral reef? As reported by BBC News, a group of scientists from the National University of Singapore are trying to do just that.

About one-third of the total coral reefs in the world are located in Singapore. Coral reefs are a very important part of the underwater ecosystem as they house fish and protect coastlines. Over many years, the coral reef in Singapore has declined due to pollution and other causes.

This is why these scientists are stepping in, using LEGO bricks, in an attempt to save the coral reef. They take bits of coral and then attach them to LEGO bricks. They hope these pieces of coral will then grow into new colonies.

The researchers chose LEGO bricks because of its modular building system. It is very easy to adapt the LEGO bricks to the scale they require. Additionally, using LEGO bricks they are able to grow coral using a vertical farming method to conserve space.

For now, the coral are just being farmed in aquariums. But, the final goal is to be able to take this coral back to the waters of Singapore.

For further information, check out the video from BBC News.

This is a really great use of LEGO bricks, and one that I would have never thought would be possible! I hope the experiments are successful. I wonder if the LEGO bricks will remain in the coral reef in Singapore, or if the researchers will remove them before transplanting the coral back.

What are some other unusual ways you have used LEGO bricks? Let us know in the comments below.