Scientists Wake Microbes Frozen for 40,000 Years in Permafrost
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| Scientists Wake Microbes Frozen for 40,000 Years in Permafrost. |
Scientists from the University of Colorado in the United States have successfully awakened microbes that had been dormant for tens of thousands of years in permafrost. The samples were taken from a research tunnel in Alaska that extends over 100 meters deep. Remains of ancient bison and mammoths are still visible on the tunnel walls.
Tristan Caro, the lead author of the study, explained that upon entering the tunnel, an unpleasant smell is immediately noticeable. For a microbiologist, this is particularly interesting because such odors often indicate microbial activity. The research team collected samples as old as 40,000 years. After adding water and incubating them at temperatures between 4 and 12 °C, the microbes slowly became active and began forming colonies.
The study shows that these microbes are still capable of sustaining stable life. They can break down organic matter and release carbon dioxide as a byproduct. However, the "awakening" process is not instantaneous. The microbes require several months to regain full activity. Their high resilience raises concerns among climate scientists because melting permafrost could release greenhouse gases, accelerating climate change.
Permafrost is a frozen layer of soil, ice, and rock that covers nearly a quarter of the Northern Hemisphere’s land. It acts as a time capsule, preserving remains of ancient animals, plants, and a wide variety of bacteria and microorganisms. This discovery enhances our understanding of how microbial life can survive extreme conditions for thousands of years while also highlighting potential global climate impacts.
