Melting ice in the Arctic has revealed a fourth giant virus, according to a study published in PNAS.
Here are six observations:
1. Scientists first found Mimivirus in 2003.
2. The Pandoraviruses and Pithovirus sibericum were discovered in 2013 and 2014, respectively.
3. Most recently discovered, the Mollivirus sibericum was found in the same 30,000-year-old Siberian permafrost as the Pithovirus sibericum.
4. The discovery of two different viruses in the same permafrost raised alarm among scientists, as global warming continues to melt prehistoric ice.
5. Although not dangerous to humans, the Mollivirus sibericum can infect amoeba.
6. The study researchers are concerned that melting ice could reveal more viruses that will not be so amiable with humans.
