Letter: Environmental Oversights

Elizabeth Pennisi's article "Tokyo Funds Marine Biotechnology Plan" (The Scientist, March 19, 1990, page 1) demonstrated the great interest the Japanese have in developing alternative resources, but also showed what seems to be an all-too-present lack of concern by the Japanese for potential environmental impact. The accompanying flow chart, which lauded the organization and widespread backing for the research effort, was especially revealing. But, nowhere in the chart is there any mention of f

Written byJohn Bates
| 1 min read

Register for free to listen to this article
Listen with Speechify
0:00
1:00
Share

Elizabeth Pennisi's article "Tokyo Funds Marine Biotechnology Plan" (The Scientist, March 19, 1990, page 1) demonstrated the great interest the Japanese have in developing alternative resources, but also showed what seems to be an all-too-present lack of concern by the Japanese for potential environmental impact. The accompanying flow chart, which lauded the organization and widespread backing for the research effort, was especially revealing. But, nowhere in the chart is there any mention of funding to study the effects on the ecology of marine communities resulting from exploitation. This type of oversight is particularly distressing to see when coming from within the scientific community.

Interested in reading more?

Become a Member of

The Scientist Logo
Receive full access to digital editions of The Scientist, as well as TS Digest, feature stories, more than 35 years of archives, and much more!
Already a member? Login Here

Meet the Author

Published In

Share
Illustration of a developing fetus surrounded by a clear fluid with a subtle yellow tinge, representing amniotic fluid.
January 2026, Issue 1

What Is the Amniotic Fluid Composed of?

The liquid world of fetal development provides a rich source of nutrition and protection tailored to meet the needs of the growing fetus.

View this Issue
Skip the Wait for Protein Stability Data with Aunty

Skip the Wait for Protein Stability Data with Aunty

Unchained Labs
Graphic of three DNA helices in various colors

An Automated DNA-to-Data Framework for Production-Scale Sequencing

illumina
Exploring Cellular Organization with Spatial Proteomics

Exploring Cellular Organization with Spatial Proteomics

Abstract illustration of spheres with multiple layers, representing endoderm, ectoderm, and mesoderm derived organoids

Organoid Origins and How to Grow Them

Thermo Fisher Logo

Products

Brandtech Logo

BRANDTECH Scientific Introduces the Transferpette® pro Micropipette: A New Twist on Comfort and Control

Biotium Logo

Biotium Launches GlycoLiner™ Cell Surface Glycoprotein Labeling Kits for Rapid and Selective Cell Surface Imaging

Colorful abstract spiral dot pattern on a black background

Thermo Scientific X and S Series General Purpose Centrifuges

Thermo Fisher Logo
Abstract background with red and blue laser lights

VANTAstar Flexible microplate reader with simplified workflows

BMG LABTECH