An illustration of Cape Copenhagen 2 million years ago.Drawing: Beth Zaiken A team of scientists has sequenced the oldest DNA to date, found in permafrost in the far north of Greenland. The DNA is 2 million years old, surpassing the previous oldest DNA record by a million years. The genetic material came from 41 sediment …
‘Amazing’ DNA 2 million years old reveals ancient ecosystem in Greenland Read More »
The oldest known frozen, dormant virus in the world has been revived in a French lab, leading many to worry about the dangers of bringing ancient microbes to life. The virus was pulled from Siberian permafrost in far eastern Russia and is 48,500 years old, proving that viruses are incredibly resilient and able to survive …
What could go wrong?! A 48,500-year-old Siberian virus is resurrected Read More »
As global temperatures continue to rise, the Arctic landscape is collapsing. Glaciers and ice caps are melting at an unprecedented rate and ground that has been frozen for millennia is beginning to melt. The effects of rising sea levels and habitat loss are already being felt around the world, but another threat is beginning to …
Ancient viruses trapped in permafrost for thousands of years are waking up Read More »
