"Ancient Viruses Lurk In Frozen Caribou Poo"

"A careful examination of frozen caribou poop has turned up two never-before-seen viruses.

The viruses are hundreds of years old: One of them probably infected plants the caribous ate. The other may have infected insects that buzzed around the animals.

The findings prove viruses can survive for surprisingly long periods of time in a cold environment, according to Eric Delwart, a researcher at Blood Systems Research Institute in San Francisco."

Geoff Brumfiel reports for NPR's All Things Considered October 27, 2014.