Melting Tibetan glaciers is not only bringing ancient megafauna to the surface, but also bringing viruses hidden in the ice for centuries, reports sciencealert.com.
Scientists have discovered that Tibetan glaciers, which are melting due to climate change, are releasing viruses up to 15,000 years old into the atmosphere.
A study conducted on the Tibetan Plateau revealed a collection of unique viruses in samples taken from the Ghulia Ice Sheet. These viruses, preserved in thousands of years old ice, are now under scrutiny for their potential impact on the environment and humanity.
As glaciers melt, ancient microbes and viruses are released, possibly due to climate change. Scientists use modern techniques to analyze the genetic information of viruses and assess their effects on the environment.
Particular attention is paid to bacteriophages that infect the Methylobacterium bacteria, crucial players in the methane cycle in ice.
These viruses have the potential to affect microorganisms and ecosystem processes deep within the Earth.
Experts are raising concerns not only about potential threats to human health, but also about the broader impact of released viruses on climate and ecological systems.
These ancient viruses can provide insights into past climate change and viral evolution, serving as warnings of potential future threats.
The melting of glaciers on the Tibetan Plateau thus reveals new dimensions of the relationship between ancient viruses, climate change and the environment. It underlines the integral role of nature in the complex processes taking place on our planet.
