Particle Mollivirus sibericum training (section electron microscopy). The roughly spherical particle is a little more than one half micron in diameter (1/2000 of a millimeter). – Jean-Michel Claverie

Mickael Penverne

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A team of researchers from the University of Aix-Marseille just discovered a new giant virus in the Siberian permafrost . Mollivirus sibericum baptized, he presents himself as an “oblong shell about 0.6 microns long,” said a statement from the university. This is the fourth giant virus discovered in this region, subjected to extreme temperatures (about -50 ° C) but tends to thaw under the influence of global warming.

“The first was discovered in 2002-2003, says Jean-Michel Claverie, one of the “discoverers” Chantal Abergel. One might think then that it was an anomaly of nature. But today, it is no longer possible since discovered a new family of giant viruses almost every year. ” During their research, the Marseille researchers, associated with two laboratories in Grenoble, have uncovered a new piece of virology that could shake up the knowledge of the origins of life.

Two-thirds of genes of these mirco-organisms or even three-quarters for some of them, “look does nothing to what is known on Earth,” says Jean-Michel Claverie. These giants, as seen virus with a simple microscope, may be the heirs of “failed attempts” or unfinished, cells dating back thousands of years. That is, they would have developed there are at least 30,000 years, but have not evolved, like their colleagues, because of the cold.

“Siberia is a very good fridge but it does has not always been a desert, recalls Jean-Michel Claverie. She already known passages of animals and humans, especially at the Bering Strait. ” This new discovery confirms in any case that the Siberian basement contains unknown cells and which one knows nothing of the possible danger. Now, with global warming, the economic exploitation of the region is only a matter of time.

“When the Russians will seek oil or minerals, the permafrost will not suddenly be thaw, says the scientist. However, they necessarily will stir tons of earth. But the danger is reactivated some things that actually exist. ” Jean-Michel Claverie and advocates caution and the establishment of an “epidemiological surveillance in the region.” Meanwhile, Marseille researchers conducted tests on human tissue. Good news: Mollivirus sibericum proves harmless to humans