Beijing: Chinese scientists have identified and published six new genera and seven new species of Antarctic bacteria, state media reported on Sunday. Researchers from the Polar Research Institute of China (PRIC) made these discoveries through the analysis of Antarctic samples collected during multiple voyages.

According to Anadolu Agency, the PRIC has successfully standardized the preservation of more than 3,500 strains of polar microorganisms, accumulating nearly 30,000 samples across 185 genera. This extensive collection provides a solid theoretical foundation for the future exploration and utilization of new polar microbial resources.

The unique ecosystems of the south and north poles, shaped by long-term geographic isolation, remain pristine and host a wealth of novel microbial strains. These discoveries underscore the importance of continued research in these regions.