They Need To Revive A Virus Like I Need A Hole In My Head

Giant virus revived after more than 30,000 years

AP Photo: IGS, CNRS-AMU, Julia Bartoli, Chantal Abergel

This electron microscope image provided by researchers in March 2014 shows a section of a Pithovirus particle, dark outline, inside an infected Acanthamoeba castellanii cell. Researchers have revived the virus, which is more than 30,000 years old, after finding it in the permafrost of northeast Siberia.

7 hr ago  By Associated Press

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NEW YORK (AP) — Researchers have revived a giant virus more than 30,000 years old, recovered from the permafrost of northeast Siberia.

The virus poses no threat to people. Although it is considered a giant when compared to other viruses, it is microscopic and infects amoebas.

The one from Siberia is a new kind of giant virus, joining a group that was first discovered 10 years ago.

The researchers said their finding suggests that dangerous germs might emerge in the future as permafrost thaws because of global warming or mineral exploration. They said sampling permafrost to look for ancient viruses that infect amoebas is an inexpensive and safe way to assess that potential threat.

The new work was reported Monday in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

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