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5,300-Year-Old Ötzi Yeast Revived, Baked into Sourdough

6/3/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Scientists revived four cold-adapted yeast strains from the 5,300-year-old Ötzi the Iceman and baked a sourdough loaf.
The yeasts and bacteria were recovered from Ötzi’s gut, skin and meltwater while the mummy has been stored at –6 °C in Bolzano.
Comparison of 2010 and 2019 samples shows the glacier-derived Glaciozyma strain became dominant, suggesting the revived yeasts could aid bioremediation or fermentation, though further study is needed.

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Story summary

Scientists revived four cold-adapted yeast strains from the 5,300-year-old Ötzi the Iceman and baked a sourdough loaf.
The yeasts and bacteria were recovered from Ötzi’s gut, skin and meltwater while the mummy has been stored at –6 °C in Bolzano.
Comparison of 2010 and 2019 samples shows the glacier-derived Glaciozyma strain became dominant, suggesting the revived yeasts could aid bioremediation or fermentation, though further study is needed.