Scientists have warned that ancient, deadly viruses released by melting Arctic ice due to increased shipping and global warming could pose a terrifying new threat to humanity.Researchers have isolated these strains of the "Methyusela" microorganism - also known as the "zombie virus".They fear a new global public health emergency could be triggered.
"Little attention has been paid to the possibility that a virus could break out from the far north and then spread south, where it could potentially infect humans and trigger new disease outbreaks," said Claverie, a geneticist at the University of Aix-Marseille.
These viruses are hidden deep in the permafrost of the Northern Hemisphere, and some of them date back to 48,000 years ago.
“Permafrost is cold, dark, and oxygen-depleted, making it ideal for preserving biological materials.You can put yogurt in permafrost and it will still be edible 50,000 years from now. "
It is reported that as early as 2014, a team of scientists isolated live viruses in Siberia and proved that they can still infect single-cell organisms, even if they have been buried in permafrost for thousands of years.
At present, the disappearance of sea ice in the Arctic has further promoted the development of large-scale mining, transportation and other industries in Siberia. Large holes dug by mining can reach deep into the permafrost. These operations will release a large number of pathogens in the permafrost. Miners may be exposed to these viruses through breathing after entering.
For humans, even if there has not yet been any large-scale infection event, we still need to be prepared for a rainy day.