Sounds like something stupid to start a zombie apocalypse movie…
October 28, 2014 | by Janet Fang
photo credit: An ice core containing ancient caribou feces. Caribou DNA, digested plants, and viruses were frozen within layers of ice for thousands of years, enabling researchers to detect the genomes of ancient viruses / Brian Moorman
Ancient viruses provide snapshots of past diversity and a way to trace viral evolution, but their concentrations are low and intact samples are rarely successfully isolated from the environment. Cryogenically preserved samples in nature may be an untapped repository of preserved ancient viral genetic material.
A team led by Eric Delwart from the University of California, San Francisco, analyzed viral genetic material contained in an ice core obtained by drilling through layers of accumulated caribou feces up to 4,000 years old in a permanent ice patch in the Northwest Territories of Canada. Caribou gather on ice patches to escape pesky flying insects and heat in the summertime. After eating nearby veggies, they deposit feces that contain their DNA, partially digested plant material, as well as viruses—which can remain frozen for millennia. Here’s an aerial photograph of one such caribou congregation:
From a 700-year-old layer of the ice core, the team isolated the complete small circular genome of a DNA virus that was distantly related to plant and fungi-infecting viruses today. They named it aCFV, for ancient caribou feces associated virus. They also isolated a partial viral RNA genome that was related to an insect-infecting virus. They call this one Ancient Northwest Territories cripavirus, or aNCV.
These never-before-seen viruses either originated in plants eaten by caribou or insects attracted to fecal matter, and they were preserved at constant freezing temperatures within protective viral capsids.
The team used a “reverse genetic approach” to reconstitute the genome of the DNA virus. Then, to confirm that the virus infects plants, they inoculated the tobacco relative Nicotiana benthamianawith the ancient viral DNA. The inoculated plants displayed evidence of infection: The DNA virus replicated and systemically spread in the inoculated leaves (orange arrow) as well as their newly emerging leaves (white arrow).
As far as Delwart can tell, these viruses aren’t dangerous, NPR reports. But as the climate warms and more ice melts, more caribou poo infected with ancient viruses might be making its way into the modern ecosystem.
Images: Brian Moorman (top), Glen MacKay (middle), Li-Fang Chen (bottom)
He knows that it will all be temporary. 
While making his beach mural explorations, he uses a rope as a guide so that he can make the geometric patterns. 
When asked WHY he does it, Andre gives the best answer… 
“The unanswerable question! Its fun. I get to be at the beach.” 
Consider yourself lucky if you happen to stumble across one of his playa paintings, because it won’t be there long. 
By raking up the wet sand at low tide, he is able to make contrasting sand colors. 
He even offers his services, helping people propose. 
Or even teaching others to create these beachscapes as part of a team building exercise. 
According to Andres, it only takes a couple of hours once the tide is low enough to create the designs. 
Andres’ creations are simply stunning and knowing that these delicate creations are temporary somehow makes them even more beautiful.
“I couldn’t be more proud of Jim. Watching that team play, they do reflect his personality.”
Michael Bradley - Time Traveler 