Giant virus in Siberian permafrost revived after more than 30,000 years; may indicate threat

The Associated Press
March 4, 2014 at 11:31PM
An electron microscope image shows a section of a Pithovirus particle, dark outline, inside an infected Acanthamoeba castellanii cell. The length of the particle is about 1.5 microns with a 0.5 micron diameter.
An electron microscope image shows a section of a Pithovirus particle, dark outline, inside an infected Acanthamoeba castellanii cell. The length of the particle is about 1.5 microns with a 0.5 micron diameter. (Associated Press - Ap/The Minnesota Star Tribune)

NEW YORK — 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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