An ancient virus preserved in the Siberian ice for 30,000 years is to be brought back to life by scientists – to find out if it could harm humans.
No one knows whether the virus could harm humans or animals.
By reanimating the Mollivirus sibericum virus – a ‘giant virus’, one of four such prehistoric viruses to have been found – the scientists hope to learn more about viruses which could be unleashed as global warming hits frozen areas.
Scientists fear that global warming and thawing ice could unearth dangerous diseases – such as smallpox, frozen into the corpses of victims.
‘A few viral particles that are still infectious may be enough, in the presence of a vulnerable host, to revive potentially pathogenic viruses,’ said lead researcher Jean-Michel Claverir.
The virus was discovered by the French National Centre for Scientific Research in the Kolyma lowland region of Russia.
The researchers write, ‘The fact that two different viruses could be easily revived from prehistoric permafrost should be of concern in a context of global warming.’
Via: [Metro]
You may also like to read:
Apple's New App "Move to iOS" Will Make Android to iOS Transition a Bit Easier
2016 Audi A8 L Security - Highest Armouring Level Achievable by a Civilian Sedan
Hyundai Launches New Avante
0 comments:
Post a Comment