Two studies released Thursday suggest new forms of disease-causing bacteria could be released as climate change melts the permafrost that bacteria lies dormant in.
Scientists were able to reanimate a nematode that had laid dormant in Siberian permafrost for approximately 46,000 years, according to—adding to fears that more dangerous organisms, such as disease-inducing pathogens, could emerge from melting ice as climate change warms the Earth’s permafrost.... [+]The nematode was able to survive harsh conditions while frozen by entering a dormant state known as “cryptobiosis,” the study explained.
The scientists said they were able to use radiocarbon analysis of plant material from the burrow to discover the ice in which this nematode was found, 40 meters below the ice’s surface, which had remained frozen since the late Pleistocene, a geological era between 45,839 and 47,769 years ago.The researchers identified this nematode as a previously undescribed species called Panagrolaimus kolymaensis.
While this is the longest time scientists have discovered a nematode surviving in cryptobiosis, other organisms, such as disease-causing Bacillus bacteria spores, have been found surviving tens of millions of years in such a state.45,800. That’s how much, at least, this nematode breaks the previous record for longest cryptobiosis in a nematode, according to the study.
Malaysia Latest News, Malaysia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Nematode resurrected from Siberian permafrost laid dormant for 46,000 yearsThe ancient nematode has lain dormant in a fossilized squirrel burrow since the late Pleistocene, revealing that these worms can survive for tens of thousands of years longer than thought.
Read more »
Ancient Worm Resurrected After 46,000 Years of Death-Defying LimboAn international effort to revive an ancient roundworm, frozen in Siberian permafrost for millennia, has unleashed a lifeform even older than scientists once thought.
Read more »
Taylor Swift Breaks Record for Most No. 1s on Pop Airplay Chart As ‘Cruel Summer’ Becomes Her 12th.taylorswift13 has broken the record for the most No. 1s on the PopAirplay chart with 'Cruel Summer!' ☀️
Read more »
Florida Keys coral reefs are already bleaching as water temps hit record highs, scientists saySome Florida Keys coral reefs are losing their color weeks earlier than normal this summer because of record-high water temperatures, meaning they are under stress and their health is potentially endangered, federal scientists said.
Read more »
Transhumanist Down Under: Australian Government Funds Scientists Merging AI With Brain CellsA team of scientists has won a $600,000 grant from the government of Australia to continue their work merging human brain cells with artificial intelligence.
Read more »