An ancient virus has “come back to life” after lying dormant for at least 30,000 years. It was found frozen in a deep layer of the Siberian permafrost, 30m. under ground level. After it thawed it became infectious again. It attacks amoebas, but appears to pose no danger to humans or animals. But other viruses could be unleashed as the ground becomes exposed.
The ancient pathogen, called Pithovirus sibericum, belongs to a class of giant viruses that were discovered 10 years ago, and is so large that, unlike other viruses, it can be seen under a microscope. And this one, measuring 1.5 micrometres in length, is the biggest that has ever been found.
Since the 1970s, the permafrost has retreated and reduced in thickness. Climate change projections suggest it will decrease further, is becoming more accessible, and is being eyed for its natural resources. Scientists warn that exposing the deep layers could expose new viral threats. One such threat is an ancient strain of the smallpox virus, which was declared eradicated 30 years ago. It is possible that smallpox is not eradicated from the planet – only from the surface.
However, it is not yet clear whether all viruses could become active again after being frozen for thousands or even millions of years. Professor Jonathan Ball, a virologist from the University of Nottingham, thinks it depends on whether they have an external protein shell, like foot and mouth and the common cold – that withstands repeated freezing and unfreezing . ” But if they do survive, they need to find a host to infect and they need to find one pretty fast”. (The study is published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), reported on the BBC website).
We tend to think that climate change is just about sea levels and food production. It seems we that collectively we haven’t a clue what we really face if the planet continues to warm. Common sense seems to suggest that action should be taken now, not left to chance.
Superb post. Thanks.
I had absolutely no idea about this, thank you for sharing. It is already blatantly obvious that the perils of not dealing with climate change are immense, but the benefits of a more stable and healtheir environment are immense. We have much to lose, but even more to gain.
On a positive note, I sincerely believe that climate change denial is in decline. Part of the reason is demographics: like with gay marriage, support for action on climate is higher amongst the young, and so the issue with gain traction as the older generation dies off. Also, many businesses have realised that being percieved as anti environment is bad for business. So instead of funding groups and ‘scientists’ that deny climate change, they are investing in greener technologies and a greener image. Finally, as climate change becomes more talked about, the lukewarm positions of many Republican and some Conservative politicians will look weak and indefensible. Of course, I could be overly positive, but I really do believe things are moving in the right direction.