Chile to Research in
Antarctic
Chilean scientists, with
an investment of four
million dollars, will
conduct biotechnology
research at the
Antarctic Pole, INACH
(Chilean Antarctic
Institute) Director Jose
Retamales announced on
Friday.
The announcement of the
incorporation of
laboratories to develop
the coming periods of
Antarctic Project:
Source of Biological
Resources for National
Biotechnology, coincided
with the beginning of
the third phase of the
Antarctic Scientific
Expedition.
That project, initiated
November 2007, implies
the modernization of
spaces and acquisition
of equipment for
experimentation,
analysis and sample
conservation, as well as
the conditions of work
of researchers.
The director explained
there is an aim to
facilitate access to
Antarctic resources for
biotechnological
implementation, without
threatening the
conservation of
resources.
This month INACH
Scientific Department
head researcher Marcelo
Gonzalez will research
the white continent
microorganisms related
to molecules that
present antibacterial
properties.
The #44 Antarctic
Scientific Expedition
totals 27 current
projects within the
framework of the
International Polar
Year, and has doubled
the number of
researchers (62) who are
working at King George
Island, at the tip of
southern Chile. |
|
