Strains of the deadly disease remain at the high security Vector Research Centre.
Smallpox expert Rinat Maksyutov appointed acting head of world famous institute at age of 34.
Leading expert assesses the risk of 'waking up' this deadly disease currently eradicated, and warns that rising Russian levels of HIV brings a far greater risk.
Centre is one of only two repositories in the world of smallpox virus, and a key hub of research into the planet's deadliest diseases.
This summer's melting of permafrost is more than THREE TIMES greater than usual, unlocking long-frozen deadly diseases.
Spaso-Zashiverskaya has survived wars, permafrost, and a smallpox outbreak that wiped out its congregation.
French team prepare to 'reanimate' a 30,000 year old 'giant virus'.
Vector Research Centre to test several vaccine variants to counter deadly virus.
Mushrooms growing on millions of our birch trees are 'promising' for further research, say Siberian scientists.