A recent study by researchers at Eurac Research has provided a comprehensive analysis of the microbiome associated with Ötzi the Iceman, who lived over 5,300 years ago. The investigation revealed a complex microbial community, including ancient gut flora and cold-adapted yeasts that have survived in the glacial conditions surrounding Ötzi's remains. The team differentiated between microorganisms present during Ötzi's life and those that colonized after his death, utilizing various samples including internal tissues and meltwater from the mummy. Notably, the presence of cold-tolerant yeasts suggests they have been associated with Ötzi for millennia, potentially offering insights for industrial applications such as low-temperature fermentation. The findings indicate that Ötzi's microbiome is not static but a living system that continues to evolve. Conservation practices have also influenced the microbial community, highlighting the need for ongoing research to ensure the preservation of this unique biological system. The study has been published in the journal Microbiome.