Microbes Frozen in Tibetan Ice Could Create New Pandemics If Released

Thursday, 07 July 2022

Researchers at the Chinese Academy of Scientists say they have uncovered more than 900 new microbes living inside glaciers in Tibet. Samples taken from 21 glaciers on the Tibetan Plateau revealed never-before seen bacteria, algae, archaea, and fungi according to a study published in Nature. The scientists said the ice-entrapped modern and ancient pathogenic microbes could lead to pandemics if unleashed because of global warming.

According to the Daily Caller, of the 968 microbes found in the region, 98% were completely unknown to science prior to their recent discovery.

“Despite extreme environmental conditions, such as low temperatures, high levels of solar radiation, periodic freeze-thaw cycles and nutrient limitation, the surfaces of glaciers support a diverse array of life,” the study authors wrote. The Tibetan Plateau is a high-altitude region, positioned between the Himalayan mountains and the Taklamakan Desert in Asia.

https://www.newsmax.com/newsfront/mi...07/id/1077788/