[deleted] t1_jbrr0f1 wrote on March 11, 2023 at 4:56 AM

Reply to comment by wsclose in Ancient dormant viruses found in permafrost, once revived, can infect amoeba. Findings hint at a much bigger problem—as the planet warms and the permafrost melts, there is a chance of viruses emerging that are capable of infecting humans by Wagamaga

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YouAreGenuinelyDumb t1_jbrv60s wrote on March 11, 2023 at 5:39 AM

There are many indirect risks, but the extent of the risk is pretty much unknowable. Maybe the vast majority of these viruses are degraded and no longer viable. Perhaps some were obsoleted by the evolution of more competitive relatives or stronger host immune systems. Perhaps the vectors and hosts are extinct and the virus has no means to naturally replicate. Maybe the one virus that manages to breakout is enough to do serious damage to the environment and society. Or maybe there are thousands of different catastrophes waiting to thaw from the ice.