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Chinese researchers discover 11,700 new viruses in Pacific seabed metal deposit

A Chinese research team has identified over 11,700 new viruses within the Clarion-Clipperton Zone, a vast deep-sea area in the Pacific Ocean between Mexico and Hawaii. This region is known for its significant metallic nodule deposits, containing vital metals like nickel, cobalt, and manganese. The discovery highlights the rich biodiversity, including viral lineages and genetic resources, present in these deep-sea environments, which are also targeted for potential future mining operations. AI

RANK_REASON Discovery of new biological entities in a specific geographic location. [lever_c_demoted from research: ic=1 ai=0.1]

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Chinese researchers discover 11,700 new viruses in Pacific seabed metal deposit

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Discovery of new biological entities in a specific geographic location. [lever_c_demoted from research: ic=1 ai=0.1]
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COVERAGE [1]

  1. SCMP — Tech TIER_1 English(EN) · Shi Huang ·

    Chinese team finds 11,700 new viruses in world’s biggest seabed metal deposit

    Up to 6,000 metres (19,700 feet) beneath the surface of the Pacific Ocean between Mexico and Hawaii, billions of potato-shaped metallic nodules are scattered across the seabed. The Clarion-Clipperton zone’s reserves of vital metals such as nickel, cobalt and manganese could surpa…