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Scientists are examining prehistoric viruses from the Siberian permafrost in the animal dug. A lab in Russia s Siberia state is beginning study about prehistoric viruses conserved in the remnants of animals discovered in melting permafrost.
Led by the Biotechnology, University of Yakutsk and Vector State Research Centre of Virology, the research will begin by examining tissues from a prehistoric horse from at most 4,500 years ago.
These remnants were found in Yakutia, an area of Siberia, where Paleolithic animals such as mammoths are frequently seen.
(Photo : Maria Orlova)
Other Prehistoric Animals
The scientists strive to research other prehistoric animals including rodents, partridges, hares, elk, dogs, the 28,800-year-old Malolyakhovsky woolly mammoth, and more. Several of the remnants are above 50,000 years old. All the animals were discovered because of the thawing.
Russian scientists study prehistoric animal viruses from the permafrost
Researchers analyze prehistoric viruses in animals dug out from the Siberian permafrost.
The team at Vector Virology Centre. Credit: Nina Sleptsova/NEFU
The viruses come from prehistoric animals dug out from the melting permafrost.
The research lab used to be a center for the development of biological weapons.
A state lab in Russia s Siberia is beginning research into prehistoric viruses preserved in the remains of animals found in melting permafrost.
Spearheaded by the Vector State Research Centre of Virology and Biotechnology and the University of Yakutsk, the study will start by analyzing tissues from a prehistoric horse from at least 4,500 ago. These remains were located in the region of Siberia called Yakutia, where Paleolithic animals like mammoths are often found.
Hunt for ancient viruses as Russia’s leading virology centre samples remains of Ice Age animals
16 February 2021
Scientists from Novosibirsk-based Vector are working in Yakutia on a paleo-virus experiment.
‘The team of Vector Virology Centre is keen to find paleo-viruses that would allow to start development of paleo-virology in Russia and conduct leading researched in virus evolution . Picture: Nina Sleptsova/NEFU
First ever check for paleo-viruses on the Pleistocene era animals preserved in permafrost of Yakutia, Russia’s largest and coldest inhabited region started today in the Mammoth Museum of Yakutsk.
More than 50 samples were taken from 4,450 year old remains of the Verkhoyansk horse, found in 2009 in north-east of Yakutia and other prehistoric animals from the collection.