Scientists recently revived a number of “zombie viruses” from Siberian permafrost, making them healthy enough to infect other organisms, and are warning that other viruses could thaw out on their own.
In the study published by BioRxiv, the authors detailed how shifts in climate have led to the irreversible thawing of permafrost, which in turn has led to the revival of viruses once trapped beneath the frozen landscape. The researchers stated that only two original studies have been published regarding the potential threat of these viruses to the current human population, suggesting that scientists do not appreciate the magnitude of the threat of “zombie viruses.”
REPORT: Strange New Virus With High Fatality Rate In China Has Infected 35 Peoplehttps://t.co/8wd3uVLQPg
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While the frozen viruses themselves are a popular research topic, the degree of the threat posed by these viruses still presents a gap in understanding within the field. “If the authors are indeed isolating live viruses from ancient permafrost, it is likely that the even smaller, simpler mammalian viruses would also survive frozen for eons,” University of California, San Francisco virologist Eric Delwart told New Scientist of the latest study. (RELATED: ‘Frozen In Time’: Scientists Make Huge 2,100-Year-Old Discovery In Israel)
The research also uncovered a new world record, as the team managed to revive a 48,500-year-old virus, the oldest ever uncovered and brought back to life, New Scientist stated. Twelve other new viruses were identified throughout this specific research study, all of which now require further examination to determine how they behave after being released.