Microbes Found in Ötzi the Iceman's Remains Still Growing

<p>Ötzi the Iceman, a well-known mummy from Europe, contains various microbes, including some that are still alive after thousands of years. After his death in the Ötztal Alps, Ötzi remained undisturbed for 5,300 years until hikers discovered his freeze-dried remains in 1991. Since then, scientists have conducted extensive research on his DNA, last meal, gut microbes, clothing, and tools. Currently, Ötzi is housed at the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology in Italy, where researchers have identified cold-adapted yeast species that have likely existed since shortly after his death.</p><h2>Research on Ötzi's Microbes</h2><p>Microbiologist Mohamed S. Sarhan from the Institute of Mummy Studies at Eurac Research and his team collected samples from Ötzi's stomach, meltwater from his body, skin swabs, and airborne microbes from his storage area and the laboratory outside. They also obtained samples from frozen alpine soil collected near Ötzi's body in 1991.</p>