Scientists Revive 46,000-Year-Old Worm Frozen in Siberian Permafrost
Scientists have achieved a remarkable feat by reviving a previously unknown species of worm that was frozen in Siberian Permafrost for 46,000 years. The groundbreaking research, published in the journal PLOS Genetics, sheds light on the incredible survival abilities of these organisms in a dormant state known as cryptobiosis.
The roundworm was discovered 131.2 feet below the surface in the Siberian permafrost, still alive and functioning despite being frozen for millennia. Cryptobiotic organisms, like this worm, have the remarkable ability to withstand extreme conditions such as high temperatures, freezing, dehydration, and the absence of water or oxygen. They essentially exist in a suspended state “between death and life,” with undetectable metabolic rates.
The lead researcher of the study, Teymuras Kurzchalia from the Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, described the findings as a major breakthrough. He stated, “One can halt life and then start it from the beginning. This is a major finding.” Previous organisms revived from cryptobiosis had only survived for decades, making the survival of this worm for thousands of years even more astonishing.
This research builds upon a discovery made five years ago when scientists found two roundworm species in the Siberian permafrost. Two of those worms were revived by rehydrating them with water, and a hundred worms were transported to German labs for further analysis. Radiocarbon analysis confirmed that the worms had been frozen for approximately 45,839 to 47,769 years without thawing.
Genetic analysis conducted by scientists in Dresden and Cologne revealed that these worms belong to a previously unknown species, which has now been named Panagrolaimus kolymaenis. Surprisingly, this new species shares a similar “molecular toolkit” with C. elegans, another commonly studied organism. Both worms produce a sugar called trehalose, which may be the key to their ability to endure freezing and dehydration.
Philipp Schiffer, a researcher from the University of Cologne, emphasized the significance of these findings. He noted, “To see that the same biochemical pathway is used in a species which is 200, 300 million years away, that’s really striking. It means that some processes in evolution are deeply conserved.” He also highlighted the potential applications of this research in conservation biology and protecting species under extreme conditions.
The revival of this ancient worm provides valuable insights into the possibilities of life’s resilience and adaptation to extreme conditions. By studying these creatures, scientists can strengthen their understanding of conservation biology and develop strategies to protect species facing unprecedented challenges. The study opens up new avenues for research and offers hope for the preservation of life under harsh circumstances.
