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Fox Today
By the People, for the People
New Microbes Discovered in Alaskan Permafrost Intrigue U.S. Military
Researchers uncover 26 previously unknown species that could help troops survive extreme cold conditions.
Published on Feb. 13, 2026
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Scientists from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory (CRREL) have discovered 26 new species of microorganisms preserved in ancient permafrost in Fox, Alaska. These extremophiles, which have been dormant for an estimated 40,000 years, are now being studied for their potential to help the U.S. military develop technologies to better operate in cold regions.
Why it matters
The discovery of these previously unknown microbes opens up new possibilities for the U.S. military to leverage biological adaptations to extreme cold. Researchers believe the organisms' ability to remain viable after long periods in a frozen state could lead to the development of novel technologies, such as frostbite-resistant skin creams or anti-icing coatings for military vehicles and equipment.
The details
The 26 new species were extracted from CRREL's Permafrost Tunnel Research Facility in Fox, Alaska, and revived in the lab in Hanover, New Hampshire. Researchers have found that over 50% of the bacteria encountered in permafrost samples are new to science, suggesting the vast potential for further discoveries in this frozen biological frontier.
- The new species were discovered and announced in August 2026.
- The microbes had been frozen in the permafrost for an estimated 40,000 years.
The players
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory (CRREL)
A research organization that conducts studies on cold regions and is leading the effort to discover and study the new microbes found in Alaskan permafrost.
Dr. Robyn Barbato
The senior research microbiologist and leader of CRREL's soil microbiology team, who announced the discovery of the 26 new species.
Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA)
The U.S. military research and development agency that is funding the research through its Ice Control for Cold Environments (ICE) initiative, which aims to leverage biological adaptations to cold to develop new technologies for military operations in extreme cold regions.
What they’re saying
“We are discovering new bacteria that have never been discovered before.”
— Dr. Robyn Barbato, Senior Research Microbiologist, CRREL (CRREL Press Release)
“These microbes have evolved to remain viable in sub-zero temperatures. We want to learn how they do it so that we can develop new biotechnologies that help the U.S. military operate in cold regions.”
— Dr. Robyn Barbato, Senior Research Microbiologist, CRREL (CRREL Press Release)
What’s next
Researchers will continue to study the newly discovered microbes to better understand their biological mechanisms for surviving extreme cold, with the goal of developing new technologies to aid U.S. military operations in frigid environments.
The takeaway
The discovery of these previously unknown extremophile species in Alaskan permafrost highlights the vast potential for scientific breakthroughs that remain locked in Earth's frozen frontiers, and the military's interest in leveraging such discoveries to enhance its capabilities in harsh cold-weather conditions.
