Since he was discovered by German hikers back in 1991, Ötzi the Iceman has provided a window into early human history.
Now, scientists have found signs of life in the 5,300–year–old mummy – in the form of yeast.
Researchers from Eurac Research have obtained a detailed picture of the microbes living on Ötzi’s mummified remains for the very first time.
Their analysis shows that Ötzi harbours a thriving community of microbes, ranging from ancient gut bacteria to cold–loving yeasts.
While these might not sound too appetising, the researchers even went so far as to make sourdough bread from the yeast.
‘We made some really good dough with it,’ said lead author Mohamed Sarhan.
‘I’ve never baked bread before – and it showed. So the result definitely had room for improvement.
‘But as I said, these were our very first experiments. We want to pursue this further and involve specialized research teams from the food sector in the process.’
Since he was discovered by German hikers back in 1991, Ötzi the Iceman has provided a window into early human history. Now, scientists have found signs of life in the 5,300–year–old mummy – in the form of yeast
Researchers from Eurac Research have obtained a detailed picture of the microbes living on Ötzi’s mummified remains for the very first time
Ötzi’s mummified remains were uncovered on 19 September 1991 in a melting glacier in the mountainous border between Austria and Italy.
Analysis of his body has already told us that he was alive during the Copper Age and died a grisly death.
Now, scientists have analysed samples from Ötzi’s internal tissues, stomach contents, and surface, in search of microbial life.
In addition, a soil sample from the discovery site, taken and frozen during Ötzi’s recovery in 1991, was analysed to trace environmental influences.
The internal samples revealed how Ötzi’s microbiome closely resembles the few known examples of gut flora from early human populations.
Meanwhile, traces of yeasts were found on his skin and inside his stomach.
Surprisingly, these yeasts were found to contain both ancient and modern DNA – suggesting they may have originated from the glacial environment.
Mr Sarhan explained: ‘Ötzi is preserved at −6 °C: under such conditions, the long–term survival of microorganisms is not really to be expected.
Scientists analysed samples from Ötzi’s internal tissues, stomach contents, and surface, in search of microbial life
Ötzi’s mummified remains were uncovered on 19 September 1991 in a melting glacier in the mountainous border between Austria and Italy. Analysis of his body has already told us that he was alive during the Copper Age and died a grisly death
‘These yeasts are remarkable because they are adapted to very cold temperatures.
‘To cultivate them, we had to incubate them in the refrigerator − normally we store samples there to prevent the growth of microorganisms.’
Given their unusual properties, the researchers believe the yeasts could have several practical uses – including in bread–making.
‘We tried to make a sourdough starter with it,’ Mr Sarhan said.
‘At first, the yeast hadn’t yet adapted to the flour environment, so nothing happened at all.
‘We then continued over a longer period and refreshed it about every two weeks so that the yeast could slowly adapt.
‘Eventually, we obtained a completely normal dough that rose within 24 hours – basically just like with ordinary yeast. We made some really good dough with it.’
And it’s not just bread – the researchers also plan to make beer with Ötzi’s yeasts.
Mr Sarhan added: ‘Bread is currently one of the obvious applications we’re considering; another is beer – we’ve already discussed this with experts from Weihenstephan.
‘These are initial ideas; we’re open to further suggestions.’
WHO WAS ÖTZI THE ICEMAN?
Since his discovery on 19 September 1991 by German hikers, Ötzi (artist’s impression) has provided window into early human history.
Since his discovery on 19 September 1991 by German hikers, Ötzi has provided window into early human history.
His mummified remains were uncovered in melting glacier in the mountainous border between Austria and Italy.
Analysis of the body has told us that he was alive during the Copper Age and died a grisly death.
Ötzi, who was 46 at the time of his death, had brown eyes, relatives in Sardinia, and was lactose intolerant.
He was also predisposed to heart disease.
In 2015, experts discovered a total of 61 tattoos on Ötzi’s body using different wavelengths of light to pick them out on the mummy’s darkened skin.
More recent research has focused on the DNA in the nuclei of Ötzi’s cells, which could yield further insights into the famous ice mummy’s life.
Scientists examining the contents of his stomach have also worked out that his final meal consisted of venison and ibex meat.
Archaeologists believe Ötzi, who was carrying a bow, a quiver of arrows and a copper axe, may have been a hunter or warrior killed in a skirmish with a rival tribe.
Researchers say he was about 5ft 2.5 inches (159cm) tall, 46 years old, arthritic and infested with whipworm – an intestinal parasite.
His perfectly preserved body is stored in his own specially designed cold storage chamber at the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology in Italy at a constant temperature of -6°C (21°F).
Visitors can view the mummy through a small window.
Alongside his remains is an Ötzi model created using 3D images of the corpse and forensic technology by two Dutch artists – Alfons and Adrie Kennis.
