Eurac Research Unveils Insights into Ötzi the Iceman's Microbiome and Its Industrial Potential
Researchers at Eurac Research have conducted an extensive study on the microbiome of Ötzi, Europe's oldest known natural human mummy, revealing a complex microbial community. The study, published in Microbiome, differentiates between microorganisms present during Ötzi's lifetime and those colonizing post-mortem. Notably, cold-adapted yeast species, likely from the glacial environment, have persisted on Ötzi's body, suggesting potential industrial applications. The research involved analyzing ice, meltwater, and various samples from Ötzi's body, revealing genetic material from his original gut flora. This microbiome closely resembles those of early human populations, offering a rare glimpse into ancient microbial life. The study also highlights the dynamic nature of the mummy's microbiome, with both ancient and modern DNA present, indicating ongoing microbial activity under current preservation conditions. 
