AI Insight
Scientists have discovered yeast that has been preserved in the digestive system of Ötzi the Iceman, a 5,300-year-old mummy found in the Alps. Researchers successfully extracted this ancient yeast from the mummy's gut and used it to bake sourdough bread, which they report was edible and flavorful. This finding demonstrates the remarkable preservation of microorganisms in frozen human remains over millennia.
Why it matters
This discovery provides insights into ancient microbial communities and the types of yeast present in human digestive systems thousands of years ago. The successful cultivation of this ancient yeast could inform our understanding of historical food preparation methods and the evolution of microorganisms used in fermentation processes.
Understand the Science
Yeast has been growing in the guts of a frozen mummy called Oetzi the Iceman for thousands of years, scientists have discovered, telling AFP they used it to make a tasty sourdough bread.
Source: Scientists find yeast in ancient Iceman's guts—and make bread