In a groundbreaking study, researchers have discovered ancient "zombie viruses" trapped in Siberian permafrost. There were 13 viruses that were discovered and thawed. The oldest virus was found to be frozen for a staggering 48,500 years. That sets a new record for the resuscitation of a virus.
What's more? It can still infect living creatures. Worried? Don't get too upset just yet.
This particular virus can’t infect humans. but it proves that the thawing permafrost could directly threaten human health as climate change causes other viruses to be released and thawed.
Image credit: Jean-Michel Claverie / IGS / CNRS-AMU
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