Researchers at the Chinese Academy of Sciences collected ice samples from 21 glaciers on the Tibetan Plateau. The researchers sequenced the DNA of microorganisms in the ice. The results showed that 968 species of microorganisms were found in the ice - mainly bacteria, but There are also algae, archaea, and fungi. About 98% of these microorganisms are new species.
Researchers say the microbial diversity within glaciers is surprising, and climate change may cause glaciers to melt, increasing the chances of potentially dangerous microorganisms escaping, which could lead to local epidemics. Analysts believe that some newly discovered bacteria may be very dangerous to humans and other organisms.
The East Rongbuk Glacier of the Tibetan Plateau
The glaciers of the Tibetan Plateau are a hot spot for future epidemic outbreak research. These glaciers provide fresh water to water sources including the Yangtze River and Yellow River.
A study of satellite images found that ice loss from nearly all glaciers on Earth accelerated between 2000 and 2019, increasing the risk of dangerous microorganisms escaping. The researchers believe there is a need to assess the potential impact of these microorganisms.
