Experts warn that climate change could release ancient germs frozen in ice, which could have serious consequences for human health. As the Earth's climate warms, the permafrost in the Arctic and other cold regions is melting.
This is releasing organic matter that has been frozen for thousands or even millions of years. This organic matter can contain bacteria and viruses that have been dormant for a long time. If these germs are released, they could pose a serious health risk to humans and animals.
There have already been a few cases of ancient germs being released from melting ice. In 2016, a team of researchers in Siberia found a virus that had been frozen for 30,000 years. The virus was still infectious, and it infected a number of laboratory mice. In 2019, a team of researchers in Greenland found a bacterium that had been frozen for 800,000 years. The bacterium was still alive, and it could potentially cause disease in humans.
The experts who spoke to NDTV said that the risk of ancient germs being released from melting ice is a growing concern. They warned that we need to be prepared for the possibility of a new pandemic caused by an ancient germ.
A CSR Initiative of
Designed and Executed by
Implemented by
Technology is a useful servant, but a dangerous master, it was rightly said. Electronic devices have grown into an inevitable part of our daily lives.
