"Climate Change Thaws Ancient 'Zombie' Viruses from Permafrost after 50,000 Years"

Ancient viruses frozen in Siberia's permafrost for thousands of years are thawing due to climate change, posing a potential threat to humanity. Virologist Jean-Michel Claverie warns that melting ice could release ancient diseases, including those that may have killed Neanderthals. The viruses have already been found in mammoth wool, Siberian mummies, prehistoric wolves, and the lungs of an Influenza victim. Scientists have identified six frozen pathogens that they believe pose the greatest risk to humans. The heat wave in Siberia in 2016 activated deadly anthrax spores, demonstrating the real danger of diseases buried in the ice. With the Arctic warming, there is a growing concern about the release of ancient viruses and the need for monitoring and rapid response to potential outbreaks.