Scientists have recently revived several large viruses that had been buried in the frozen Siberian ground for tens of thousands of years. The oldest virus ever to have been revived is the 48,500 years old Pandoravirus, and the youngest virus is 27,000 years old, according to a media report.
The thawing permafrost is reported to be releasing organic matter, including bacteria and viruses that can still reproduce.
Recently, a group of scientists from France, Germany and Russia reanimated 13 viruses drawn from seven samples of Siberian permafrost.
All the viruses cultured so far are giant DNA viruses that only affect amoebae. They are very unlikely to pose danger to humans or animals. But studies are bound to throw up more results in the future.
Aruna Gaitonde, Editor in Chief of the Asian Bureau, Rough&Polished
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