Microbes from the Past for Future Challenges

The U.S. military is working to protect soldiers from extreme cold by studying microbes dating back nearly 40,000 years. Scientists at the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) have revived these microorganisms, discovering 26 new species in the process.

The research, conducted at the Permafrost Tunnel Research Facility in Alaska, focuses on studying the properties of these microbes to develop innovative technologies. The goal is to protect soldiers from frostbite, create new antifreeze formulas, and improve de-icing techniques for vehicles and equipment.

Practical Applications and Biomedical Discoveries

Robyn Barbato, senior research microbiologist and leader of CRREL's soil microbiology team, emphasized that microbes are "the best chemists." Studying permafrost and terrestrial ice can lead to the discovery of properties useful for addressing real-world problems.

In addition to military applications, the research could lead to discoveries in the biomedical field. Analyzing the proteins of these microorganisms could open new avenues for the development of innovative drugs and therapies. The collected samples, containing spores that have remained in stasis for millennia, are cultured and stored in CRREL's ICE COLD library.

A Treasure Trove of Biodiversity

Permafrost is proving to be an environment rich in biodiversity, with approximately ten million bacterial cells per gram. This study opens new perspectives on microbial life and its potential applications in various sectors.