'Time-traveling' pathogens in melting permafrost pose likely risk to environment shortspermafrost

A study suggests that ancient pathogens released from melting permafrost could pose significant risks to the environment and human health. Computer simulations revealed that about 3 percent of these pathogens could become dominant and cause ecological damage. Some invaders led to a one-third decrease in host species, while others increased diversity by up to 12 percent. Although the percentage of harmful pathogens is small, the large number of released microbes makes outbreak events a substantial hazard. The findings challenge the perception of "time-traveling" pathogens as solely science fiction and highlight their potential impact on ecological change and human well-being.

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