Author: Trisha Leigh Zeigenhorn / Source: did you know?
You’ve probably read stories by now about how all kinds of nasty, ancient bugs have been hiding in the world’s permafrost, just waiting for the chance to thaw out and continue wreaking havoc. From prehistoric viruses to nuclear fallout, we’ve got plenty to worry about when it comes to climate change.
Now, we can add anthrax-causing spores to the list, because rapid warming in Russia’s Yakutia republic is now putting residents at risk of just that.
In the past 10 years, average temperatures in the area have risen by a whole 2.5 degrees C, causing concerns in many areas, including about the return of “zombie Anthrax.”
Anthrax is an infectious and potentially deadly illness caused by the bacteria Bacillus anthracis. The bacteria are found naturally in the Earth’s soil and can go dormant when conditions aren’t optimal and then…
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