Thawing permafrost raises anthrax outbreak concerns in Siberia

In 2016, an anthrax outbreak in Siberia was linked to thawing permafrost, which released dormant spores from a long-dead reindeer. This incident highlighted the risks posed by warming temperatures, as permafrost thaws and exposes ancient pathogens. Permafrost, which has remained frozen for thousands of years, is now melting at an accelerated rate. This thawing disrupts ecosystems and releases greenhouse gases, contributing to global warming. It also raises concerns about unknown microbes that could emerge from the ice. Scientists are studying ancient genetic material to understand potential threats from these microbes. While some ancient viruses have been revived, the impact of other pathogens remains uncertain. Research efforts aim to prepare for any health risks that may arise as the Arctic continues to warm.