Ötzi the Ice Man Contains Still-Living Microbes

奥茨冰人仍含有活微生物

New Scientist Podcasts

2026-06-03

15 分钟
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Episode 373 Despite being 5,300-years-old, the gut microbiome of the famous Ötzi the Ice Man appears to be still alive. A mix of ancient and modern bacteria have been found on Ötzi’s mummified remains - which are preserved in icy conditions. Found in 1991 by hikers on a glacier in the Alps, Ötzi has already taught us an incredible amount about the life of humans living in Europe during the Copper Age - and continues to reveal his secrets. While we unpack this surprising news, we also explore some of the other fascinating discoveries Ötzi has led us to over the years, from the type of food ancient people ate during this period, to the different animal skins they wore as clothing. We also discuss the six tools he was found with - and why he was covered in 61 tattoos.  To discuss the new finding, Rowan Hooper and Penny Sarchet are joined by New Scientist’s Sam Wong. To read more about these stories, visit https://www.newscientist.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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  • In 1991, mountaineers on a glacier in the Alps, walking along the glacier,

  • found the remains of a body, a human body, turned out to be one of the most extraordinary discoveries

  • in archaeology because the body was 5,300 years old and in this incredibly well-preserved condition.

  • Yes, he was a man aged about 45 when he died.

  • And we've since named him Ötzi after the Ötzel region on the border between Austria and Italy where he was found.

  • And Ötzi the Iceman has since given up a huge amount of information about the humans

  • that were living in Europe at that time.

  • Everything from their diet, their clothing, their societies and even really cool things like their medical knowledge.

  • From New Scientist, this is the world, the universe and us.

  • I'm Dr. Rowan Hooper.

  • And I'm Dr. Penny Sarchet.

  • Yeah, so we know so much about him.