Microorganisms that had been sleeping in the Antarctic glacier for hundreds to thousands of years have emerged.
The Korea Polar Research Institute (KOPRI) revealed on the 27th that some of the microorganisms found in the Antarctic glacier have been confirmed to pose a potential risk of human infection. The research results were published in the international journal 'Environmental Research' in July.
Glaciers serve as an 'ice record' of past climates and act as a vast 'natural storage' that traps microorganisms introduced with snow or aerosols for long periods. While there have been cases reported of ancient pathogens resurrecting in the Arctic permafrost, there is still limited research on Antarctic glacier microorganisms and their risks.
The research team led by Kim Ok-sun, the principal researcher at the Korea Polar Research Institute (KOPRI), analyzed glacier cores collected from the Styx glacier near the Antarctic Jang Bogo Research Station, culturing and securing a total of 656 strains of microorganisms across 27 species from glacier layers formed between the years 520 and 1980. Most of them were common bacteria found in nature, including Antarctica, but 55 strains from 9 species were classified as 'potentially pathogenic bacteria candidates.'
Kim Min-kyung, a research fellow involved in the study, explained, 'Some of the microorganisms had genes that allow them to adhere to human cells and evade immune responses, similar to tuberculosis bacteria. In some others, gene sequences similar to cell lysis genes that have lethal effects on experimental animals like fish and mice were found.'
Additionally, some microorganisms exhibited mild 'hemolytic reactions' that destroy red blood cells at a normal human body temperature of 37 degrees. This suggests a potential risk to individuals with weakened immune systems.
Shin Hyung-cheol, director of the Korea Polar Research Institute (KOPRI), noted, 'As glaciers melt due to climate change, the microorganisms that have been trapped for a long time are becoming exposed, increasing the possibility of human contact.' He added, 'This study will serve as an important foundational material for understanding the diversity and potential risks of microorganisms in Antarctic glaciers.'
References
Environmental Research(2025), DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envres.2025.122421