Permafrost Meltdown: Unleashing Time-Traveling Pathogens

Scientists warn that ancient pathogens trapped in melting permafrost could escape and become dominant species, potentially causing the next pandemic and wiping out crucial microbes. Computer simulations showed that about three percent of virus-like pathogens released from the ice became dominant, posing risks to human health and ecological change. The melting permafrost has already revived ancient viruses, and while they are not considered a risk to humans, other viruses exposed by melting ice could be disastrous and lead to new pandemics. The release of even a small percentage of pathogens could have substantial consequences due to the sheer number of ancient microbes regularly released into modern communities.