Mankind has made incredible advancements in exploring Earth, but there are still vast areas of mystery, especially the ocean and permafrost. Permafrost is frozen soil or underwater sediment that has remained below freezing for over two years, covering 15% of the Northern Hemisphere. Recently, large portions of it have begun to melt, revealing ancient secrets that were well-preserved by the freezing conditions.
One remarkable discovery occurred in 2018 when a nearly 42,000-year-old extinct horse was found in Siberia. The horse’s body, preserved in astonishing condition, still had its skin, tail, hooves, and hair. Even more surprising was the presence of liquid blood, a rare find in ancient permafrost animals. This discovery has raised hopes of possibly cloning this ancient species.
Another fascinating find was an ancient nematode, a tiny worm, that was revived after being trapped in permafrost for over 40,000 years. The nematode was found in a squirrel’s burrow and, once thawed, came back to life through a process called cryptobiosis. Not only did it survive, but it also reproduced, astonishing scientists with its resilience and ability to reproduce asexually.
In 1979, gold miners discovered the remains of a step bison, an extinct species, in Alaska’s permafrost. Dubbed “Blue Babe” for its bluish hue, the bison had been partially devoured by an American lion but remained remarkably preserved. Its body, skin, and even its horns were intact. The bison was so well-preserved that scientists used part of it in a stew, which, though unpleasant, didn’t make anyone sick.
The discovery of Sparta, a 15,000-year-old cave lion cub found in Siberia in 2017, provided unprecedented insights into Ice Age predators. Sparta was incredibly well-preserved, with its claws, whiskers, and fur still intact. It revealed that cave lions grew much faster than modern lions to survive harsh winters. Sadly, Sparta’s death was likely due to being crushed by the earth, suggesting a dangerous environment for animals back then.
Another notable discovery was Yuka, a 28,000-year-old mammoth found in Siberia. Yuka’s well-preserved condition allowed scientists to successfully implant her cell nuclei into mice, showing early signs of cell division. This has brought researchers closer to the possibility of reviving mammoths.
However, not all discoveries from permafrost are positive. In 2014, scientists revived a giant virus from the permafrost that had the potential to infect modern organisms. In 2016, a deadly outbreak of anthrax, which killed 2,000 reindeer and a child, was believed to have been caused by frozen anthrax spores that were thawed by rising temperatures.
Moreover, human remains have also been found in permafrost. The Siberian Ice Maiden, a woman from the 5th century BC, was discovered in remarkable condition with tattoos still visible on her body. Her burial tomb contained artifacts, including horses, which suggested she had a high status.
These findings offer a glimpse into ancient life, but they also pose potential dangers. As permafrost continues to melt, we may see even crazier discoveries—some of which could be harmful if ancient viruses or bacteria are unleashed.
