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Ancient Microbes Revived: Climate Change Threatens Permafrost

10/9/2025

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Summary

Story summary

CU Boulder scientists revived microbes from Alaskan permafrost, up to 40,000 years old, at the Permafrost Tunnel Research Facility.
Initial activity was slow, about 1 in 100,000 cells daily; after six months, biofilms formed.
The study notes thaw risks from climate change, potentially releasing greenhouse gases, emphasizing prolonged warmth over spikes.
Findings appear in the Journal of Geophysical Research Biogeosciences.

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Story summary

CU Boulder scientists revived microbes from Alaskan permafrost, up to 40,000 years old, at the Permafrost Tunnel Research Facility.
Initial activity was slow, about 1 in 100,000 cells daily; after six months, biofilms formed.
The study notes thaw risks from climate change, potentially releasing greenhouse gases, emphasizing prolonged warmth over spikes.
Findings appear in the Journal of Geophysical Research Biogeosciences.