Eons-old worms revived by scientists from permafrost

Permafrost melting is causing scientists significant concern. This almost unstoppable process uncovers numerous unknown microorganisms, including potential pathogens like viruses and bacteria. Moreover, recent studies have discovered that the ice contains other organisms with the ability to enter cryptobiosis—a dormant state that allows them to survive unfavorable conditions for extensive periods. In a remarkable achievement, experts revived a worm that survived over 46,000 years in the permafrost.

An article in IFL Science highlighted the findings of a study published last July in the scientific journal "PLOS Genetics". The authors demonstrated the resurrection of ancient worms that had lain in the Siberian permafrost for approximately 46,000 years. According to researchers, their dormant period began late in the Pleistocene epoch, between 45,839 and 47,769 years ago.

Further analysis revealed that these creatures are nematodes from the Panagrolaimus and Plectus genera. These invertebrates have evolved the unique ability to enter a state of cryptobiosis. This survival mechanism halts metabolic processes, a condition that is reversible and usually triggered by extreme environmental conditions, such as extremely low or high temperatures. Comparable adaptations occur in certain non-sporulating organisms.

The ancient worms were discovered 131 feet below the surface in the permafrost along the Kolyma River in northeast Siberia. IFL Science highlights other fascinating findings in this region, including archaic DNA, ancient viruses, and bacteria found in the frozen soil. Carbon dating of the worms determined their age, reinforcing the recognition of permafrost as a unique ecosystem capable of preserving diverse life forms in below freezing temperatures over millennia.

In related news, scientists from the University of Aix-Marseille in France successfully reanimated and studied viruses that had remained dormant since prehistoric times in samples taken from the Siberian permafrost. Remarkably, one of those viruses was 48.5 thousand years old, earning it the title of oldest known virus ever successfully 'resurrected'. In contrast, the permafrost in the mountains of East Asia concealed the remains of aristocrats from the Mongol Empire. Despite being interred over 800 years ago, the bodies were exceptionally well preserved. The melting permafrost partially exposed these remains, allowing researchers to unexpectedly discover them.