Scientists Uncover 1,705 Ancient Viruses in Tibetan Glacier

Scientists have discovered 1,705 ancient viruses in ice samples from the Gulia Glacier on Tibet's Plateau, according to a study in Nature Geoscience. These viruses, preserved for up to 41,000 years, offer new insights into past climate and ecosystem changes. The study highlights that viral communities varied with climate shifts, with unique species emerging during warm periods. Remarkably, over 70% of these viruses are unique to the glacier. The findings could help predict future climate changes, though melting glaciers risk losing this valuable data.