Microbial contents of 5,300-year-old Ötzi the Iceman’s body revealed

Ötzi the Iceman's body was found by a German tourist in 1991. (Eurac Research via SWNS)

By Stephen Beech

The microbial contents of a 5,300-year-old human's body have been revealed in unprecedented detail.

Microbial contents of 5,300-year-old Ötzi the Iceman’s body revealed

Scientists at Eurac Research in Italy have obtained a detailed picture of the microbial community associated with Ötzi. (Eurac Research via SWNS)

Microbial contents of 5,300-year-old Ötzi the Iceman’s body revealed

In samples of internal tissue, the researchers were able to detect genetic material from bacteria belonging to Ötzi's original gut flora. (Eurac Research via SWNS)

Microbial contents of 5,300-year-old Ötzi the Iceman’s body revealed

The research team analyzed ice from the surface as well as meltwater from inside the mummy. (Eurac Research via SWNS)

Microbial contents of 5,300-year-old Ötzi the Iceman’s body revealed

Genetic analysis revealed a relationship with strains from extremely cold regions such as Antarctica. (Eurac Research via SWNS)

Microbial contents of 5,300-year-old Ötzi the Iceman’s body revealed

The findings of the study were published in the journal Microbiome. (Eurac Research via SWNS)

Originally published on talker.news, part of the BLOX Digital Content Exchange.

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