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Unprecedented discovery involving one of the best-preserved mummies on the planet shows that microscopic organisms resisted time and may open new paths for scientific research
One of the greatest mysteries of modern archaeology has just gained a new dimension. Scientists have discovered that some microorganisms present in the body of Ötzi, known worldwide as the Iceman, remained alive for more than 5,300 years. Even more surprising, after being thawed in the laboratory, some of these fungi and bacteria began to multiply again.
The information was released by “O Globo”, based on a study published in the scientific journal Microbiome, a publication belonging to the Nature group. Additionally, the research included the participation of specialists from Eurac Research, an important scientific center located in Bolzano, Italy.
The discovery attracted attention because it demonstrates a biological resistance considered extraordinary. At the same time, it opens new possibilities for areas such as microbiology, medicine, archaeology, and industrial fermentation processes.
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For this reason, researchers from different countries have begun to analyze the organisms found in the mummy with even more attention. After all, understanding how these microorganisms survived for millennia can lead to significant scientific advances.
Who was Ötzi and why his story fascinates scientists
Long before becoming one of the most famous mummies in the world, Ötzi lived during the Stone Age.
Researchers estimate that he was about 45 years old when he died. At that time, this age was considered advanced, as the average life expectancy was around only 30 years.
Furthermore, various studies conducted over the past decades have allowed for the reconstruction of impressive details about his appearance and routine.
Ötzi was slim, approximately 1.57 meters tall, had brown eyes, and was left-handed. According to researchers, if he used modern shoe sizes, he would wear size 39.
Similarly, genetic analyses revealed that he had ancestry linked to the first farmers of the Anatolian region, corresponding to present-day Turkey.
His body preserved skin, internal organs, part of the hair, and various tattoos. Additionally, archaeologists found a bow, arrows, a copper axe, and clothes made from animal leather.
Subsequently, researchers identified his last meal. Before dying, Ötzi had consumed alpine goat meat.
However, life was not easy. Examinations showed joint problems and a large number of cavities. For this reason, many specialists believe that the tattoos had a therapeutic purpose to relieve physical pain.
Murder in the Alps preserved a scientific treasure
When a German mountaineering couple found the body in 1991, in the Ötztal mountains, between Austria and Italy, they initially believed they were facing a recent death.
However, the rudimentary clothes quickly showed that the body belonged to a much older period.
With the advancement of investigations, scientists discovered that Ötzi did not die frozen.
In fact, he was murdered.
An arrow hit his left shoulder and pierced a vital artery. As a consequence, he suffered a fatal hemorrhage.
In fact, part of the arrow shaft remains lodged in his back to this day.
However, although the attack took his life, it did not eliminate all the organisms that inhabited his body.
Over the centuries, the intense cold of the Alps preserved not only human tissues but also part of Ötzi’s original microbiome.
In this context, scientists began to investigate which organisms survived over time and which emerged later due to environmental contamination.
Microorganisms survived for thousands of years
Currently, the mummy remains preserved at the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology in Bolzano.
In fact, the body remains in a special chamber that reproduces the temperature and humidity conditions existing at the site where it was found.
To conduct the research, scientists collected samples from the skin, internal organs, meltwater, external ice, soil from the discovery region, and also from the museum environment.
In this way, they were able to compare internal, external, and environmental microbiomes.
Additionally, they used advanced metagenomics techniques to accurately identify which organisms were already present when Ötzi was still alive.
As a result, the researchers found a huge variety of fungi and bacteria.
Most correspond to organisms still present today in the human gut flora and skin.
On the other hand, some species found sparked special interest from scientists due to their rarity and extreme resistance.
Prehistoric bacteria and fungi defied death
Among the identified organisms were common gut flora bacteria, such as Romboutsia hominis and Eubacterium sp.
Additionally, researchers found microorganisms associated with known diseases.
Among them are Clostridium perfringens and Staphylococcus aureus.
Currently, Staphylococcus aureus remains one of the main agents responsible for human infections. It can cause anything from boils to severe hospital infections.
However, the most impressive discovery involved organisms considered extremely rare.
Among them were Glaciozyma watsonii, Mrakia robertii, Phenoliferia glacialis, and Goffeauzyma sp.
These species demonstrated exceptional adaptation to extremely cold environments.
More importantly, scientists managed to cultivate some of them in the laboratory.
Researchers successfully cultivated bacteria from the Staphylococcus spp. group and also the yeasts Glaciozyma watsonii, Mrakia robertii, Phenoliferia glacialis, and Goffeauzyma sp.
Consequently, the research proved that these organisms remained viable for thousands of years.
Discovery could impact medicine and industry
The research goes far beyond archaeology.
In practice, the results could influence important areas of modern science.
For example, cold-adapted yeasts have sparked enormous interest from researchers.
These organisms continue to function at extremely low temperatures. Therefore, they can contribute to specific industrial processes.
Furthermore, scientists believe that these species can aid in the development of new technologies related to fermentation.
In this scenario, sectors such as beer production, fermented foods, and biotechnology can directly benefit.
At the same time, understanding the biological mechanisms responsible for this extreme resistance can help medical research related to cell conservation and microbial survival.
Frank Maixner, director of the Institute for Mummy Studies at Eurac Research, highlighted the relevance of the finding.
According to him, the microorganisms found in Ötzi are not just remnants of the past.
On the contrary, they continue to exist under the current preservation conditions of the mummy, maintained at approximately -6°C.
Additionally, the researcher explained that some of these yeasts accompanied the Iceman throughout his journey across the millennia.
The Iceman still holds secrets for future generations
Even after decades of studies, Ötzi continues to surprise specialists.
Since its discovery in 1991, the mummy has helped researchers understand aspects related to genetics, diet, health, technology, and the lifestyle of Stone Age populations.
Now, the discovery of living microorganisms adds a new layer of knowledge to its history.
According to Elisabeth Vallazza, director of the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology, the mummy’s state of preservation remains extremely stable.
Moreover, constant microbiological monitoring reduces risks of deterioration and protects this scientific heritage.
Even so, experts advocate for new research and investments in conservation.
In this way, future generations will also be able to study one of the most extraordinarily preserved bodies ever found by humanity.
Finally, more than 5,300 years after his death in the Alps, between Austria and Italy, Ötzi continues to reveal information capable of transforming modern scientific knowledge. And, as it seems, many of his secrets still await discovery.
If it were possible to learn more about the future of medicine by studying organisms that survived for over 5,000 years, which discovery would you like to see first?
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