Attempts by scientists in Russia to revive ancient viruses could be "very, very risky", an expert has warned. Boffins at the Vector research centre in Novosibirsk in Siberia are analysing the remains of mammoths, woolly rhinoceroses and other Ice Age animals.
They are trying to identify and revive prehistoric viruses, known as paleoviruses, that have been laying dormant for almost half a million years. The team aims to extract and study the infections that caused their deaths, reports The Daily Star.
But experts say it’s “very very risky” as viruses that killed mammoths and other prehistoric animals would also be able to infect humans. Professor Jean-Michel Claverie, from the National Centre of Scientific Research at the University of Aix-Marseille, said: “The Vector research is very, very risky.
