Scientists find yeast in ancient Iceman’s guts – and make sourdough bread
Scientists have discovered four types of yeast in the gut of Oetzi the Iceman, a frozen mummy over 5,300 years old. This yeast was used to successfully create sourdough bread after extensive experimentation. The findings suggest that the Iceman's microbiome is a complex ecosystem rather than a static time capsule.
- ▪The yeast found in Oetzi's gut can survive sub-zero temperatures.
- ▪Scientists used the ancient yeast to make a successful sourdough bread after three months of effort.
- ▪The study revealed that Oetzi's microbiome contains bacteria that are nearly extinct in modern humans.
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Scientists find yeast in ancient Iceman’s guts – and make sourdough breadSign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inboxThe scientists discovered four different yeasts that can survive sub-zero temperatures in the Iceman's guts.PHOTO ILLUSTRATION: UNSPLASHPublished Jun 03, 2026, 09:10 AMUpdated Jun 03, 2026, 09:10 AMPARIS – Yeast has been growing in the guts of a frozen mummy called Oetzi the Iceman for thousands of years, scientists have discovered, telling AFP that they used it to make a tasty sourdough bread.More than 5,300 years ago – before the Egyptian pyramids were built – Oezti was strolling through the Alps on the border of Austria and Italy when he was killed by an arrow in the back.He remained frozen in the ice until two German hikers stumbled across his mummified…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at Straits Times — World.