Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

I was wondering do Stem Cells have negative impacts on the environment? Not necessarily directly, but indirectly too (such as materials and energy to actually do the research). Am having trouble finding information on this.
Thanks!

Hi there,

Not sure how precise you want to be here, but of course all human activity can have a negative effect on the environment, scientific investigation included. Think of the energy and raw materials required, not to mention any waste generated. The challenge is to balance the costs against the benefits, which is bleep we must do collectively as a society.

Here is some information on how research in Antartica affects the environment there: http://www.antarctica.gov.au/environmen ... antarctica
http://ec.europa.eu/environment/integra ... na2_en.pdf

Cheers,
Colin