According to the researchers, they found 968 different types of microbes in extreme conditions. There was a find
“On the surface of the glaciers was a diverselife, in particular bacteria, algae, archaea, fungi and other microeukaryotes. Microorganisms could adapt to these extreme conditions and contribute to vital ecological processes,” the team writes in their new paper.
Using this data, we can learn more about microorganisms that lived about 10,000 years ago.
The researchers focused on one specifica group of glaciers - the Tibetan Plateau. This region of 2.5 million m² is an important source of water for the surrounding regions of Asia. It has been particularly affected by climate change as more than 80% of the glaciers have begun to retreat.
Scientists collected samples from 21 glaciers in Tibet in 2010-2016 and discovered 968 unique bacteria, 98% of which had never been seen before.
Experts believe that some of these bacteria andviruses can be contagious to humans and animals, and as climate changes melt snow and ice, they can enter rivers and streams in populated areas.
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