What ancient secrets are emerging from thawing Arctic permafrost?

The answer

Thawing Arctic permafrost, which covers roughly 23 million square kilometers, is revealing astonishing preserved specimens. In 2022, a 46,000-year-old Siberian nematode was revived from permafrost and began reproducing - the longest cryptobiosis ever recorded. A perfectly preserved 42,000-year-old foal was found in Yakutia with liquid blood still in its veins. In 2024, researchers discovered intact ancient viruses, including a 48,500-year-old Pandoravirus, still capable of infecting amoebas. However, thawing also releases approximately 1,700 gigatons of stored carbon as CO2 and methane. Scientists estimate permafrost degradation could contribute up to 0.3°C of additional warming by 2100.