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Science Knowledge 2025-05-21 16:24:19

Melting arctic ice could unleash ancient 'z0mbie v!ruses': a growing concern

Melting Arctic Ice Could Unleash Ancient 'Zombie Viruses': A Growing Concern

Melting ice and thawing permafrost in the Arctic could release a deadly 'zombie virus' and start the next pandemic, scientists have warned. Pictured: Scientists walk over the thawing Greenland icecap

So-called 'Methuselah microbes' can remain dormant in the soil and the bodies of frozen animals for tens of thousands of years. Scientists have managed to revive some of these ancient diseases in the lab, including this Pithovirus sibericum that was isolated from a 30,000-year-old sample of permafrost

The Arctic is an especially dangerous region for zoonotic diseases because health monitoring services are so limited. The researchers point out that diseases like Toxoplasma gondii are already spreading widely through people and animals in the region (illustrated)

The Arctic is an especially dangerous region for zoonotic diseases because health monitoring services are so limited. The researchers point out that diseases like Toxoplasma gondii are already spreading widely through people and animals in the region (illustrated)

So-called 'Methuselah microbes' can remain dormant in the soil and the bodies of frozen animals for tens of thousands of years. Scientists have managed to revive some of these ancient diseases in the lab, including this Pithovirus sibericum that was isolated from a 30,000-year-old sample of permafrost 

The bodies of frozen animals like mammoths or woolly rhinoceros (pictured) can harbour ancient organisms which survive in a dormant state. When these animals are disturbed or thaw, the microbes are released

The bodies of frozen animals like mammoths or woolly rhinoceros (pictured) can harbour ancient organisms which survive in a dormant state. When these animals are disturbed or thaw, the microbes are released 

Melting ice and thawing permafrost in the Arctic could release a deadly 'zombie virus' and start the next pandemic, scientists have warned. Pictured: Scientists walk over the thawing Greenland icecap

As global temperatures rise, the Arctic's permafrost—permanently frozen ground—has begun to thaw, revealing a hidden and potentially dangerous legacy: ancient viruses that have been dormant for tens of thousands of years. These so-called "zombie viruses" are raising alarms among scientists about the potential health risks they pose as they are reintroduced into the environment.

What Are 'Zombie Viruses'?

"Zombie viruses" refer to ancient viruses that have been preserved in permafrost and other frozen environments. These viruses were once active but have remained dormant due to the cold conditions. With the ongoing thawing of permafrost, there is a concern that these viruses could become reactivated and potentially infect living organisms, including humans.

Recent Discoveries

In 2023, researchers revived a 48,500-year-old virus from Siberian permafrost. While this particular virus infected only single-celled organisms known as amoebas and did not pose a threat to humans, the discovery highlighted the possibility that other, more harmful viruses could also be released as the permafrost continues to melt.
Potential Risks

The primary concern is that some of these ancient viruses could be human pathogens. For instance, traces of poxviruses and herpesviruses—known to infect humans—have been detected in permafrost samples. If these viruses are reactivated, there could be significant public health implications, especially since modern immune systems may not recognize and combat these ancient pathogens effectively.

Factors Contributing to the Threat

Several factors contribute to the increasing risk posed by these ancient viruses:

  • Climate Change: The Arctic is warming at more than twice the global average rate, leading to accelerated thawing of permafrost.

  • Industrial Activities: Increased human activity in previously inaccessible Arctic regions, such as mining and oil extraction, can disturb frozen soils and release trapped pathogens.

  • Lack of Immunity: Modern humans have not been exposed to many of these ancient viruses, meaning there is little to no immunity within the population.

Mitigation Strategies
To address this emerging threat, scientists recommend several measures:

  • Monitoring and Research: Establishing monitoring networks in the Arctic to detect and study the release of ancient pathogens.

  • Precautionary Measures: Implementing strict protocols for handling and studying permafrost samples to prevent accidental exposure.

  • Public Awareness: Educating the public and policymakers about the potential risks associated with thawing permafrost and the importance of mitigating climate change.

Conclusion

While the immediate threat of ancient viruses causing widespread disease is considered low, the potential consequences of such an event underscore the need for increased vigilance and preparedness. As the Arctic continues to warm, understanding and mitigating the risks associated with thawing permafrost will be crucial in protecting global public health.

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