The 15,000-year-old virus was found in a glacier in Tibet

Scientists and microbiologists at the University of Ohio dug two icebergs in 2015 from the summit of Gulia Ice Cap, 22,000 feet above sea level. The study team then found 33 viruses, of which at least 28 were new. Due to the cold, these viruses were able to survive.

The virus may have originated from soil or plants. Studies have shown very little chance of the virus being transmitted from humans or animals. According to researchers, these viruses are not harmful to humans.

Very little is known about these viruses in glaciers. However, this discovery is being taken seriously as the snow melts due to climate change. "It has caught the attention of the public," said Lonnie Thompson, a professor of earth sciences at Ohio University who was involved in the study. He said the Covid 19 epidemic had created awareness about the importance of studying the microbial community.