The icy, windswept stretches of Antarctica, the most pristine environment on Earth, is at risk of being spoilt by a “21st-century gold rush” as biotechnology companies seek to exploit its natural resources, scientists have warned.
The extreme environment of Antarctica makes it appealing for biotechnology companies. Organisms that thrive in the frozen soils and surrounding waters do so because they have developed unique biological coping strategies. If researchers can unravel the secrets of life in a cold climate, the financial rewards could be huge.
Source: http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2004/02/02/1075570358177.html
[Editor: The preceding article was not written by A4M/WHN]
