Giant viruses discovered living in Greenland's dark ice and red snow

Algae on the surface of the ice in Greenland.

Arctic researchers have detected signs of giant viruses living on the Greenland ice sheet that could help reduce some of the impacts of climate change. 

The giant viruses, which can be up to around 1,500 times larger than regular viruses, might be attacking microscopic algae that turn Greenland's ice a darker color and cause it to melt faster.