Ötzi’s microbes survive millennia, reshaping view of ancient microbiomes
TL;DR
DNA analysis of Ötzi the Iceman’s 5,300-year-old remains shows ancient fungi and gut bacteria still alive, with cold-adapted species likely colonizing his body and possibly slowly multiplying in tiny pockets of mummy moisture; some microbes are extremely rare in modern industrialized populations, suggesting a distinct Alpine microbiome. The findings highlight microbial longevity in frozen remains and raise considerations for preservation and our understanding of ancient ecosystems.
- Ötzi the Iceman: Ancient microbes are dormant but alive thousands of years after mummy’s death CNN
- Scientists make sourdough bread using yeast found in 5,000-year-old mummy The Guardian
- Some ancient microbes frozen with Ötzi the Iceman are still growing Ars Technica
- Scientists Made Sourdough Bread With Yeast Found on Ötzi the Iceman’s Mummified Body Smithsonian Magazine
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