The mystery of the Antarctic icebergs

A study from the Australian National University shows that there exist organisms that live and grow secretly in the Antarctic icebergs.

Accordingly, scientists here have used DNA sorting techniques to analyze soil from ice cells and as a result they found traces of DNA from algae, mosses and small animals.

Scientists assert that further research may reveal species of plants and animals that have never been found before.

Prof. Dr. Ceridwen Fraser of the Department of Environment and Social Affairs, Australian National University said: 'Although we have not seen these creatures in person, we have collected their DNA - evidence that there may be Animal and plant communities live in snow and ice that we never knew. '

'We are trying to explain how these organisms can survive the Antarctic ice age. They have existed for millions of years on this continent wearing an ice age to come and go. Therefore, it is possible that they have lived around volcanoes or may be under the ice around the volcano , "said Fraser.

Australian National University researchers use DNA sorting techniques to analyze soil from ice caves.(Photo: ABC).

The 'saunas' in Antarctica

GS. Craig Cary from the University of Waikato, New Zealand, is the researcher of soil from ice caves, indicating the temperature in which it can warm up to 20 degrees Celsius.

'We can imagine it is like being in a sauna, but steaming in a block of ice. I mean, above your head is the ice, the bottom is the ground, a very surreal feeling: Quiet, airy, warm and in fact you're still in the South Pole , "Mr. Cary said.

Before that, GS. Cary discovered the bacterial and fungal communities that live in these arteries. He said this new finding suggests that these species may be much more diverse than originally thought.

'Is there any possibility that they have found a new home, a real safe haven , ' Mr. Cary asked.

After completing the DNA analysis, scientists will return to these arteries to confirm further results.

'The most important question is how do we find these creatures, where do they come from and are they the ancestors of the creatures we are searching for all over the continent?' , Mr. Cary said.