There’s an Arctic lake in northern Alaska that bubbles and hisses and never freezes. Scientist Katey Walter Anthony has discovered the reason for the lake’s weird behavior: methane. Rising temperatures are thawing the permafrost and making holes in the bottom of the lake. Methane comes up through the holes. Scientists…

Permafrost soils are melting after thousands of years due to climate change, and they are releasing ancient viruses and bacteria. Frozen permafrost soil is perfect for preserving bacteria and viruses because it is cold, dark, and lacks oxygen. The risk from permafrost pathogens is still unknowable, but does not mean…