Adélie penguin mummy RNA viruses

While most of RNA virus evolution is hidden from direct observation beyond the last two centuries, some environments might favor long-term RNA virus preservation. Specifically, the cold, dry conditions of Antarctica, leading to regular mummifications of penguins and seals, might enable to recover more ancient RNA virus genomes. Here, we sequenced remains of Adélie penguin mummies ranging in age from recent to almost two millennia old, to screen them for the presence of RNA viruses. We retrieved sequences from megrivirus in recently mummified penguins, as well as from rotavirus in modern and ancient mummies.