A female microscopic roundworm was revived in a lab dish and gave birth. This was dormant for an astounding 46,000 years in Siberian permafrost.

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Villagers harvest ice from a local lake near the settlement of Oy, some 70 km south of Yakutsk, with the air temperature at about minus 41 degrees Celsius, on November 27, 2018. 

Reviving Ancient Worms

After lying dormant for an astounding 46,000 years in the Siberian permafrost, New Atlas reported that a female microscopic roundworm was successfully revived in a laboratory dish, where it proceeded to give birth. 

Scientists discovered that this Rip Van Winkle roundworm is an entirely new species of nematode after analyzing its genome. The remarkable findings shed light on the diverse and widespread nature of nematodes, which thrive in various habitats, including soil, water, and the ocean floor.

In 2018, Anastasia Shatilovich, a scientist from the Institute of Physicochemical and Biological Problems in Soil Science RAS in Russia, made a groundbreaking discovery. She successfully thawed two female worms from a fossilized burrow created by gophers in the Arctic's frozen permafrost. Surprisingly, the revival process was remarkably simple. 

Naming After the Kolyma River

By merely immersing the worms in water, they came back to life. New York Times reported that this extraordinary feat of reviving ancient creatures offers intriguing insights into the mysteries of hibernation and survival in extreme environments. These worms are identified as Panagrolaimus Kolymaensis, named after the Kolyma River in Russia, where they were discovered.

After their initial examination, the worms were sent to Germany for more in-depth research. These creatures, known for their short life span measured in days, managed to reproduce several generations in the laboratory before eventually succumbing to death, as stated by the researchers.

With the aid of radiocarbon dating, the researchers were able to pinpoint the period when these specimens were frozen. The analysis revealed that these worms had been preserved in the permafrost for an astonishing duration, between 45,839 and 47,769 years ago, during the late Pleistocene era. 

Cryptobiotoc Ability

The worms displayed their ability to withstand extremely low temperatures by entering a dormant state known as cryptobiosis. This process has long intrigued researchers at the institute, as they sought to comprehend its mechanisms. 

In their study, researchers pinpointed crucial genes responsible for the nematode's cryptobiotic ability. Interestingly, Washington Post reported that the scientists discovered the same genes in a contemporary nematode species known as Caenorhabditis elegans, which also exhibits the capacity for cryptobiosis. 

Also Read: Scientists Bring Ancient 'Zombie Viruses' Back to Life From Siberian Permafrost

This shared genetic mechanism sheds light on the fascinating adaptation that enables these tiny organisms to endure extreme conditions through a state of suspended animation. Although there may not be immediate practical applications for an in-depth understanding of cryptobiosis, this should not deter researchers from pursuing further investigations. 

The history of scientific breakthroughs reveals that discoveries such as semiconductors and the double helix structure of DNA initially lacked clear practical uses but eventually led to revolutionary advancements. Hence, continuing research on cryptobiosis holds the potential to unravel groundbreaking applications in the future.

Related Article: Siberian Worms Frozen In Permafrost For Up To 42,000 Years Defrosted Back To Life