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The “zombie virus” found under ice in Antarctica refers to ancient viruses preserved in permafrost and glaciers for millennia. As climate change melts these ice reserves, scientists are discovering these ancient pathogens, some of which might be reactivated.
The first thing that comes to our mind when we hear about Antarctica is ice everywhere with penguins all over it. But what if you are told that the ice about which you are thinking about has zombie virus beneath it.
Recently, researchers have found dormant viruses and microbes under ice in places like Siberia and Antarctica. In 2014, scientists revived a 30,000-year-old virus called Pithovirus sibericum from Siberian permafrost. This virus, which infects amoebas, is not harmful to humans but raised concerns about the potential release of ancient viruses as permafrost thaws.
These “zombie viruses” interest scientists because they offer insights into ancient microbial life and infectious disease history. There are also concerns about the risks posed if pathogenic viruses that could infect humans or animals are revived.
While no harmful “zombie viruses” have been reported in Antarctica specifically, the concept applies to any ancient virus released due to melting ice in polar regions. Studying these ancient viruses helps scientists understand potential risks and prepare for possible public health threats.
