What are the zombie viruses scientists are worried about?

Minal Upadhyay — Sat, 27 Jan 2024 11:29:23 +0000

In a world still grappling with the ongoing battle against COVID-19 and the emergence of its variants, a new potential threat has surfaced, this time in the form of ancient viruses, aptly referred to as “zombie viruses,” that lie dormant in the Arctic permafrost. The concern is that global warming could unleash these Methuselah microbes, posing a risk of disease outbreaks or even a pandemic. Researchers have already isolated strains of these zombie viruses, raising fears of a global medical emergency triggered not by a novel disease but by one resurrected from the distant past, as reported by The Guardian.

Virologist Marion Koopmans from the Erasmus Medical Center in Rotterdam highlighted the uncertainty surrounding the viruses hidden in the permafrost. “We don’t know what viruses are lying out there in the permafrost, but I think there is a real risk that there might be one capable of triggering a disease outbreak – say of an ancient form of polio. We have to assume that something like this could happen,” warned Koopmans.

The discovery of Methuselah microbes, or zombie viruses, is not a recent revelation. In 2023, genomicist Jean-Michel Claverie and materials scientist Chantal Abergel identified permafrost megaviruses, one dating back an astonishing 48,500 years. In 2014, researchers from Aix-Marseille University made history by isolating viruses from ancient permafrost, underscoring the potential threat hidden beneath the frozen layers of the Earth.

Permafrost, characterized by soil and sediment that remains frozen for extended periods, typically at least two consecutive years, is prevalent in cold regions like the Arctic and Antarctic. This frozen terrain contains a mix of ice, soil, and organic matter, playing a vital role in preserving ancient plant and animal remains. However, the rising global temperatures pose a direct threat to permafrost, leading to its thawing. This, in turn, releases stored carbon and methane, contributing to the vicious cycle of climate change.

While the world grapples with the unforeseen threat from zombie viruses, another concern looms on the horizon. Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), a chronic autoimmune disease causing inflammation and joint damage, has recently sparked interest due to its potential link to an increased risk of developing lymphoma, a type of blood cancer.

RA is rooted in the immune system mistakenly attacking the body’s tissues, especially the joints, leading to chronic inflammation. This persistent immune system activation and dysfunction have raised questions about a potential connection to an elevated risk of lymphoma. The intricate relationship involves various factors, including immune system dysfunction, chronic inflammation, and the use of specific medications in RA treatment.

As the world navigates through these dual concerns – the hidden threats beneath the thawing permafrost and the intricate relationship between autoimmune diseases like RA and lymphoma – the importance of ongoing research and global collaboration becomes more apparent. The unpredictable nature of these challenges underscores the need for proactive measures, both in mitigating climate change impacts and understanding the intricate dynamics of autoimmune disorders, ensuring that humanity remains prepared for any unforeseen challenges that may arise from the depths of our planet or within our own bodies.

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173 New COVID-19 Cases, 2 Deaths Reported In Karnataka In 24 Hours

Minal Upadhyay — Thu, 04 Jan 2024 14:02:48 +0000

In the last 24 hours, Karnataka reported 173 fresh cases of Covid-19 along with two coronavirus-related deaths, bringing the total number of active cases in the state to 702, according to the health bulletin. The recent surge has pushed the total Covid-19 related deaths in the state to over 10. In the same period, 37 patients were discharged, and a total of 8,349 tests were conducted, comprising 6,400 RTPCR and 1,949 Rapid Antigen tests. The positivity rate is at 2.07%, and the case fatality rate stands at 1.15%.

Bengaluru recorded the maximum number of tests, with 82 out of 2,616 tests returning positive results, making it the district with the highest number of cases in the state. The victims of the reported deaths were aged 59 and 69, both admitted in Bengaluru Urban district and presented symptoms of fever and cough.

As of the latest update, the total active cases in the state are 702, with 649 individuals in home isolation and the remaining 53 hospitalized. In response to the spike in cases and the detection of JN.1 infections, the Karnataka government’s cabinet sub-committee on coronavirus issued advisories, urging people to wear masks, refrain from sending symptomatic children to schools, and adhere to COVID-appropriate behavior, including social distancing and seven days of home isolation for infected patients.

To address the situation, the government has also decided to administer a “precautionary vaccine” for the elderly and those with comorbidities. Additionally, the state plans to acquire 30,000 doses of the Corbevax vaccine from the Centre for this purpose.