Scientists revive ‘zombie viruses’ from permafrost that can infect cells - New York Post

New research from a group of international climate scientists shows that so-called “zombie viruses” once revived, can infect amoeba cells.

The research built upon previous studies from the past decade that showed a virus – in some cases tens of thousands of years old – could be infectious once revived.

Researchers from France, Russia, and Germany discovered, through radiocarbon dating of the permafrost, that the viruses had been in a dormant state between 27,000 and 48,500 years.

Permafrost is a frozen layer of soil widely found on land and below the ocean floor, particularly in areas where temperatures rarely rise above freezing.

But scientists worry that as the planet gradually warms and the permafrost melts, viruses capable of infecting humans will emerge.

The viruses were found through carbon dating.JONATHAN NACKSTRAND/AFP via Getty ImagesAnother consequence of melting permafrost, the researchers add, will release organic matter frozen for up to a million years, most of which decomposes into carbon dioxide and methane, further enhancing the greenhouse gas effect.