Ötzi the Iceman, a mummy from over 5,300 years ago, continues to intrigue scientists with new findings. Recent research published in the journal Microbiome reveals that Ötzi’s body still harbors living microorganisms, including ancient gut bacteria and cold-resistant yeast strains. These microbes are not only preserved but also remain metabolically active, challenging previous assumptions about preservation limits in extreme conditions. Despite being stored in a specialized chamber at minus six degrees Celsius to halt biological processes, microbial activity persists. Astonishingly, some yeast populations have increased over the past nine years, indicating that Ötzi’s microbiome is still evolving. This discovery raises significant concerns for museums globally, as it suggests that ancient organisms can survive freezing temperatures and may even resist modern sterilization methods. This poses a risk of gradual consumption of priceless historical remains from within, prompting a need for new preservation strategies.