More than 5,300 years after his death, Ötzi the Iceman is helping scientists uncover a hidden world of cold-adapted yeasts. Researchers have discovered that the famous mummy’s skin and stomach contain yeasts that likely colonized his body shortly after his death. Some of these microorganisms may still be active today, according to a study published June 3 in the journal Microbiome.
Ötzi, one of the world’s best-preserved natural mummies, was discovered by hikers in the Ötztal Alps in 1991. Scientists believe he died around 3300 B.C. after a violent attack.
Microorganisms survived alongside the mummy
Researchers analyzed swab samples, thawed water from inside the mummy, soil from the discovery site, and material from Ötzi’s storage environment. Using genetic analysis, they identified microbial communities living on and around the remains.
The study found that many of the yeasts are closely linked to cold Alpine environments. Scientists believe they originated from the glacier where Ötzi’s body remained frozen for thousands of years.
The findings suggest the microorganisms survived after the mummy was recovered and transferred to a refrigeration chamber maintained at about 21 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 6 degrees Celsius).
More than 5,300 years after his death, Ötzi the Iceman is still surprising scientists.
Researchers discovered cold-adapted yeasts living on and inside the famous mummy. Some may have survived since the Copper Age, while others appear to have continued growing in cold storage. pic.twitter.com/mpIT8neT24
— Tom Marvolo Riddle (@tom_riddle2025) June 4, 2026
Researchers found that the yeasts are highly adapted to cold conditions, allowing them to persist in both glacial environments and modern storage facilities.
Ancient yeasts may still be active
The team successfully cultivated four cold-adapted yeast species from samples collected from Ötzi’s skin and from water taken from inside the mummy.
Genetic evidence showed signs of ancient DNA damage, suggesting the yeasts either remained dormant for more than five millennia or descended directly from the original microorganisms that colonized the body after death.
Researchers also compared skin samples collected in 2019 with samples gathered in 2010. The analysis showed that a cold-loving yeast known as Glaciozyma had become the dominant strain over time.
The finding indicates that the glacier-associated yeast has continued to slowly grow while the mummy has remained in cold storage.
Study co-author Frank Maixner of the Eurac Research Institute for Mummy Studies said the discovery shows that Ötzi is not simply a preserved archaeological artifact but part of an evolving biological system.
Potential uses beyond archaeology
The researchers also explored whether the ancient yeasts could have practical applications. Preliminary tests showed some strains performed well in sourdough fermentation. Lead author Mohamed Sarhan said the results suggest the yeasts could potentially be used in industries that rely on fermentation, including bread and beer production.
Scientists also identified modern microorganisms that were likely introduced during decades of conservation and study. It remains unclear whether these microbes affect the long-term preservation of the mummy.
Researchers said Ötzi offers a rare glimpse into ancient microbial life. However, they cautioned that the mummy represents only one individual and cannot fully reflect the broader population of the Copper Age.
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