Curiosity Weekly
Re-release: Zombie Virus, Back From the Brink, Bad Cholesterol
Dec 28, 2023
Science journalist Katie Hunt joins the show to discuss the revival of a 'zombie' virus from the arctic permafrost, the recovery of 26 Australian animal species from the brink of extinction, and the potential benefits of a new pill in reducing 'bad' cholesterol.
15:21
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Quick takeaways
- Climate change-induced thawing of permafrost risks releasing ancient viruses with unknown consequences.
- Conservation efforts result in the remarkable recovery of 26 threatened animal species in Australia, providing hope for saving other endangered species globally.
Deep dives
Revival of Ancient Viruses from Arctic Permafrost
Scientists have successfully brought back to life ancient viruses found in the Arctic permafrost, with several new strains capable of infecting amoeba cells. The thawing of permafrost caused by climate change poses an alarming risk of releasing unknown ancient microorganisms that may have unforeseen consequences. While these revived viruses are not harmful to humans, their discovery raises questions about what other potentially dangerous organisms could be lurking beneath the surface.
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