Amid Concerns of "Zombie Virus," 13 New Papillomaviruses Discovered in Antarctica

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 Scientists from Arizona State University (ASU) have made a significant discovery in a remote region of Antarctica, identifying 13 new viruses, two of which could potentially impact humans. The research, conducted over two years in the McMurdo Sound area, focused on Weddell seals and uncovered viruses belonging to the papillomavirus family. These microscopic organisms have the ability to infect various species, including humans, reptiles, birds, and mammals. The viruses were detected in 109 nasal and vaginal swabs collected by the experts between 2015 and 2017.


The findings detailing this discovery have been published in the journal Virology. The research team emphasizes that this discovery will contribute to a better understanding of the evolution of papillomaviruses.

Melanie Regney, a second-year PhD student and lead author of the study, expressed excitement about uncovering viruses in creatures previously overlooked by researchers. She emphasized the ubiquitous nature of viruses, highlighting their abundance in the universe and the limited knowledge surrounding them. Regney remarked that Antarctica remains largely pristine, making it crucial to study its virome to comprehend its ecosystem dynamics.

Regney's team sequenced the genomes of the viruses and compared them with known papillomaviruses, identifying 13 novel papillomaviruses, including 11 entirely new viral types. This discovery comes in the wake of earlier warnings by scientists regarding the potential risks posed by viruses lurking beneath Arctic ice caps. Concerns have been raised about the possibility of "zombie viruses" being released due to the melting Arctic permafrost, potentially triggering a global health crisis.

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