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Ancient Roundworm Revived from Siberian Permafrost After 46,000 Years

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Permafrost melts into the Kolyma River outside of Zyryanka, Russia, in 2019. The worms in the new study seem to have survived buried deep in the permafrost for tens of thousands of years.

Overview

  • A roundworm found in Siberian permafrost has been revived after remaining frozen for 46,000 years.
  • The worm, identified as a new species called Panagrolaimus kolymaensis, survived by entering a state of cryptobiosis.
  • Radiocarbon dating confirmed the worm's age, making it the oldest animal ever revived after being frozen.
  • Studying the worm could provide insights into cryptobiosis and have implications for cryopreservation.
  • The discovery raises concerns about what might be released as permafrost thaws due to climate change.