Scientists Have Revived a 48,500-Year-Old Zombie Virus

Okay, what has happened?

Glaciers and permafrost are melting as the global temperature rises. Due to this, microbes that have been frozen for centuries are being released. One of them is a 48,500-year-old zombie virus that has been revived (Don't we already have enough viruses?).

European scientists examined old samples taken from permafrost in Russia's Siberia region. They revived 13 new pathogens, named "zombie viruses." The oldest of these is known as "Pandoravirus Yedoma," and it is 48,500 years old.

Will the revived virus be dangerous to humans and animals?

Scientists believe that as global temperatures rise and ice melts faster, more bacteria and viruses will be released. They have warned that these bacteria and viruses can be harmful (oh no!). There is some good news. The scientists who revived these newly discovered viruses say that they are not dangerous to humans or animals. While most viruses discovered so far are harmless, scientists believe some that may cause harm could be found in the future.

As permafrost melts, there is a risk that an old virus will be released, causing harm to humans and animals (hopefully, no such virus will be released).

So, what is permafrost?

Permafrost covers a large part of the planet. Permafrost is any ground that has been completely frozen for at least two years. Permafrost regions are not always covered in snow, despite the ground being frozen. It is a mixture of soil, rocks, and sand that is held together by ice.

Permafrost thaws as the Earth's climate increases. This can harm the planet. When permafrost thaws, it releases ancient bacteria and viruses that can be harmful. When it melts, it also releases frozen plant or animal remains. After the ice melts, these remains decompose. This results in the release of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, which harms it.

What did we learn from this article?

We learned how far science has come. We also learned how climate change causes the release of old viruses and bacteria. So, we must protect our environment and ensure that climate change does not harm us.

Do you think there could ever be a real zombie virus like the ones in movies? How will you survive that? Write in the comments below!