A virus — not just a tiny but a big one — was found by a group of researchers from French National Centre for Scientific Research, the same team which discovered the Pandoravirus. Their latest discovery was published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
To some, this discovery may just be an ordinary thing that can be dismissed. However, to science and in medicine, this is another breakthrough.
To answer those questions you probably have about this new discovery, check out the facts below.
1. What is the name?
The researchers named the newly discovered 30,000-year-old virus as Mollivirus sibericum. According to The Washington Post, it is not the first prehistoric frozen virus to have ever found because, in fact, it is already the fourth ancient virus found since 2003.
2. Where was it found?
The giant virus was discovered in a melting Arctic ice. It was buried in the permafrost that coats the Northern Russia.
3. Why is it called a giant virus?
It is called a giant virus because it can be seen by light microscopy at .6 microns across. More so, the study revealed that Mollivirus' complex genetic structure houses more than 500 genes compared with Influenza virus, which only has eight genes, CNet learned.
4. Are there more of them?
Since this isn't the first, then there could be more of it. As a matter of fact, Scientists have warned those who are seeking natural resources in the region like oil, Fox News reported.
"We cannot rule out that distant viruses of ancient Siberian human (or animal) populations could reemerge as arctic permafrost layers melt and/or are disrupted by industrial activities," the study stated.
5. What are the plans of the researchers with the virus?
Scientists are planning to wake it up, if proven that it doesn't post a potential harm to humans and animals.
"A few viral particles that are still infectious may be enough, in the presence of a vulnerable host, to revive potentially pathogenic viruses," Jean-Michel Claverie of France's National Centre for Scientific Research said.
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