Researchers have discovered an ancient virus, Mollivirus sibericum. An ancient squirrel's nest has led to the new discovery. Jean-Michel Claverie, a professor of medical genomics and bioinformatics at the University Of Mediterranean School Of Medicine in Marseille, France said "Actually there's already a science-fiction novel inspired by one of our last (discoveries). Look on Amazon".

However, Claverie said that when it comes to the ancient squirrel, one might think about a movie. The virus is thought to be 30,000 years old resting at nearly 30 meters below the Siberian permafrost. Astrobiologists have collected core samples looking for life.

Claverie said all squirrels store seeds to eat and this is what they do all their life. Claverie said that in hope of finding something else, he sent an email to the scientists that launched teamwork between French and Russian research teams and led to a number of discoveries.

When the sample was collected by Claverie's team, they were aware that they need be alert regarding protection of animals and humans from whatever it was; they didn't know if they'd find the Winter Soldier or Captain America.

According to Claverie, "We're not stupid enough to revive a virus that may pose a threat to human health".

Claverie and his team are concerned regarding the increasing number of companies that are already mining for gold and tungsten along coast of Siberia in the north as climate change has led to new maritime routes through the arctic sea ice.