China: Researchers find 33 viruses in ice for 15,000 years

New Delhi, July 22, 2021, Thursday

Scientists have found the genetic codes of 33 viruses buried under ice in Lhasa, China, the epicenter of the corona virus worldwide. Of these, 28 are viruses that the world has never seen before.

It is said that the virus is 15000 years old and has survived so far due to being under ice. The virus's genetic code has led scientists to hope that life on other planets with such an atmosphere will be strengthened, such as Mars.

Matthew Sullivan, an American scientist involved in the research, says the virus has survived even in extremely harsh environments. They have genes that help them. It is difficult to find them though. Because you have to be very careful when you try to get it out of the ice.

The excavations were carried out in a snowy area near Lhasa in Tibet, China, and samples were taken and analyzed.

According to Ji Ping Jong, a Chinese scientist involved in the research, glaciers are formed slowly and dust, gases and viruses also accumulate here. This type of technique can also be used to find life in places like Mars.