Some ancient microbes frozen with Ötzi the Iceman are still growing
Summary
Scientists studied Ötzi the Iceman, a mummy frozen for over 5,300 years, and found that some cold-loving yeast microbes on his body are still alive and growing slowly. These yeasts likely survived since shortly after Ötzi died and are similar to microbes found in cold places like glaciers.Key Facts
- Ötzi the Iceman is a natural mummy found in the Ötztal Alps in 1991.
- He died over 5,300 years ago during the Copper Age.
- Researchers took samples from Ötzi’s stomach, skin, and surrounding areas.
- Scientists used DNA sequencing to study microbes on and inside Ötzi.
- Ancient gut bacteria DNA matched typical non-Westernized human gut microbes but were not alive.
- Four types of cold-tolerant yeasts were found alive on Ötzi’s skin and stomach.
- These yeasts are similar to microbes from Arctic glaciers and cold mountain environments.
- Ötzi is kept at -6º Celsius with high humidity to preserve him, which also supports the survival of these yeasts.
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