The Resurrection of Viruses
Image 1: A virus, red blood cells, and a double helix.
Breakthroughs and Complications
Issue Summary and Analysis
Climate change is something everyone is familiar with, but what does this phenomenon hold for the future of humanity? At this point, global warming is not just about how the world is overheating. There are even greater potential threats (Houwenhuyse et al., 2017). Yes, the ice caps are melting and releasing sequestered carbon into the atmosphere. However, carbon is not the only thing permafrost liberates. There are also tiny particles, called viruses, that reside within the ice (Doucleff, 2016).
Viruses are more abundant in number than any other species on Earth. These particles even live inside humans and animals, like bacteria and the microbiome (Houwenhuyse et al., 2017). Therefore, since they coexist within and among humanity, not all viruses are necessarily harmful (Houwenhuyse et al., 2017). Some of these pathogens are even useful in treating certain cancers (Houwenhuyse et al., 2017). However, viruses used for such treatments have been genetically modified to no longer carry infectious genes. Yet, the particles arising on their own from the mid to high altitude regions of Earth will still hold their virulent genes and, theoretically, their pathogenicity (Doucleff, 2016).
Knowing this, researchers from all over the globe decided to resurrect these infectious particles for analysis (Becker, 2017). They did this by taking ice core samples from the arctic back to the lab. Then, they would place specific microorganisms within the ice core to determine if there were pathogenic particles within. For example, Pithovirus sibericum, a 300,000-year-old disease, was resurrected from the permafrost and still showed its infective nature (Houwenhuyse et al., 2017). Researchers discovered this by first placing an amoeba on the ice core sample and then observing the organism under the microscope, where it was infected with the prehistoric virus (Houwenhuyse et al., 2017).
Thus, researchers, including Dr. Tumpey, a research scientist at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, believe it is necessary experimentation that could lead to a greater understanding of viruses and their evolution (Shreeve, 2006). However, with the possibility of these pathogens harming the public if they escape, bioethicists have raised a need for a “greater international review” before more research continues (Shreeve, 2006).
Richard H. Ebright, a molecular biologist, agrees with the bioethicists’ decision due to the potential use of these pathogens as “bioweapons” (Kolata, 2005). Although officials assured the public that scientists with Biosafety Level 4 clearance were performing the research in highly secured laboratories, the verdict remains as to whether the investigation and breakthroughs that come with it outweigh the harm these pathogens could do if placed in the wrong hands (Kolata, 2005; Shreeve, 2006).
Annotated Bibliography
Becker, R. (2017, July 7). Resurrecting an extinct relative of smallpox could pave the way for better vaccines. The Verge. Retrieved March 19, 2022, from https://www.theverge.com/2017/7/7/15938168/smallpox-variola-horsepox-virus-synthesis-vaccines-bioweapon
David Evans, a microbiologist, has resurrected the horsepox virus. This virus is a relative of the once deadly smallpox. If specific genetic modifications were made to this virus, it has the potential for use as a bioweapon by terrorists. When he published his paper, there was controversy about whether his findings were safe to share. But, ultimately, other professionals in the field agreed his work should be published because it could potentially help many people suffering from genetic disorders and certain cancers.
Doucleff, M. (2016, August 3). Anthrax outbreak in Russia thought to be result of thawing permafrost. npr. Retrieved March 24, 2022, from https://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2016/08/03/488400947/anthrax-outbreak-in-russia-thought-to-be-result-of-thawing-permafrost
More things are resurfacing from the permafrost as the climate changes, including viruses. For example, recent anthrax outbreaks have occurred in Russia due to high heat melting the ice during the summer. For centuries bodies of deceased, infected individuals have been buried under this thick layer of ice. Researchers now believe that many other pathogens, even those prehistoric, could cause infectious diseases to spread across the world due to the progressively changing climate.
Houwenhuyse, S., Macke, E., Reyserhove, L., Bulteel, L., & Decaestecker, E. (2017). Back to the future in a petri dish: Origin and impact of resurrected microbes in natural populations. Evolutionary Applications, 2018 (11), 29-41. Retrieved February 20, 2022, from DOI: 10.1111/eva.12538
Climate change has caused the permafrost to melt in mid to high-altitude regions, leading to the reemergence of historically relevant and ancient pathogens into society. Work done in labs to resurrect these viruses led to many discoveries. Some being that microorganisms have evolved “multi-drug resistant genes” over centuries. Also, studying the evolution of current viruses is not something that comes easy because it does not happen fast. Therefore, having the ability to resurrect the ones from prehistoric times will lead to more significant strides in evolutionary virology.
Kolata, G. (2005, October 6). Experts unlock clues to spread of 1918 flu virus. The New York Times. Retrieved March 24, 2022, from https://www.nytimes.com/2005/10/06/health/experts-unlock-clues-to-spread-of-1918-flu-virus.html?searchResultPosition=2.
The flu that caused the 1918 influenza epidemic was one of the deadliest strains to surface, with a 100% mortality rate. Scientists revived the strain to discover it had gone through recombination with the bird flu, now allowing it to infect humans. Therefore, former President Bush acquired a team of the best virologists in America to study the strain for potential vaccines. Still, civilians and some scientists think this act is of concern due to their possible use as bioweapons. However, virologists and Bush reassure that this is a way to produce treatment options “before it is too late.”
Shreeve, J. (2006, January 29). Why revive a deadly flu virus? The New York Times. Retrieved March 13, 2022, from https://www.nytimes.com/2006/01/29/magazine/why-revive-a-deadly-flu-virus.html?searchResultPosition=4.
Dr. Tumpey, a research scientist, works with “highly pathogenic microbes,” including the resurrected 1918 flu, and he faces controversy every day for it. However, almost all scientists believe this work will pay off. Understanding the reasons that make this virus and others so pathogenic allows vaccines and treatment options to be discovered before the population is in danger. It will happen whether the work is done in the lab or by nature itself. Tumpey understands the potential risks but believes that this work is necessary for the health of humanity.
