Science awakens 48,500-year-old 'sleeping' virus for surprising reason

Some ancient viruses locked away in the Siberian permafrost since the Ice Age have been revived to combat the effects of climate change.

Recent scientific studies indicate that the massive melting of glaciers due to global warming could have profound impacts on the planet and people. Notable among them is the risk of "awakening" ancient viruses from the permafrost .

In a recent project conducted by researchers from Aix-Marseille University, France, 13 viruses belonging to 5 different lineages were collected in Siberia - the frozen Far East region of Russia.

Climate change leading to ice melting will have unpredictable consequences. (Photo: Getty).

One of the few viruses that has been 'dormant' in the permafrost is approximately 48,500 years old. According to Iflscience published on November 23, this is a new world record for the oldest virus ever revived.

In addition, the research team also "awakened" three new viruses from a sample of frozen mammoth feces that was at least 27,000 years old, and two viruses isolated from the frozen stomach of a Siberian wolf.

According to researchers, these viruses, although located in the permafrost, all contain dangerous amoebas , although fewer than the single-celled samples that live in soil and water.

Subsequent experiments showed that the virus was still able to invade cells and replicate , as well as become infectious after being introduced into a suitable environment.

Many ancient viruses are still "sleeping" under the permafrost, waiting to be awakened. (Illustration: BBC).

In the description of the research, Professor Jean-Michel Claverie, one of the main authors, said that collecting ancient virus samples is extremely important, but there is very little published research on this topic.

She explains that science needs to focus more on these viruses, as climate change is likely to awaken them from the permafrost in many parts of the world.

"Recently recorded viral pandemics show that humans always need a certain amount of time to research and create vaccines, as well as natural antibodies to fight them," said Professor Claverie.

"Therefore, anticipating the possibility that ancient viruses will find their way back and infect, even become pandemics, is something that needs to be considered right now."