Scientists Bake Sourdough Using Yeast From 5,300-Year-Old Mummy
Researchers have successfully baked a sourdough loaf using cold-adapted yeast strains harvested from the remains of Ötzi the Iceman, a mummy dating back approximately 5,300 years. The yeast, which was found in the mummy's gut and on his body, was cultivated in a refrigerator and used to create a bread that scientists described as being very good. Analysis suggests these microbes likely colonized the body from the Alpine environment shortly after death. Following the success of the bread, the scientific team now intends to determine if these ancient yeast strains can be utilized to brew beer.
Prefer swipe-first reading?
Install the app to keep reading with faster loads and a smoother mobile experience.
Sources
Scientists make sourdough bread using yeast found in 5,000-year-old mummy | Science | The Guardian
Team now plans to see if they can use yeast strains harvested from Ötzi the Iceman to brew beer too ... Scientists have baked a sourdough loaf of bread using yeast strains harvested from a 5,000-year-old mummy and now plan to see if they can use them to brew beer too.
5,300 years after his death, Ötzi the murdered Iceman’s microbiome is still active
Samples of yeast taken from the ... suggests these microbes originated in the environment where Ötzi was found. The researchers also managed to reproduce the yeast in a fridge, enabling them to make sourdough bread—which was apparently "very, very good."...
'It was very very good': Ötzi the Iceman's body is covered in ancient yeast — and scientists just used it to make a sourdough | Live Science
A new study cultivated four strains of cold-adapted yeasts that had colonized Ötzi's body shortly after his death 5,300 years ago in the Alps.
Archaeologists in Rome have uncovered the remains of a luxury Roman residence dating to the second century CE beneath a high school near the Colosseum, after students' curiosity about mysterious underground rooms led to a formal excavation of the site. According to Live Science, students at ...
Science news this week: Ötzi the Iceman used to make sourdough, Italian teenagers discover Roman villa under school, Google plans to release 64 million mosquitos, and RIP to NASA's Maven probe | Live Science
June 6, 2026: Our weekly roundup of the latest science in the news, as well as a few fascinating articles to keep you entertained over the weekend
Fact Checks
Related news
Michigan Mandates Science of Reading Training for Teachers Amid Literacy Investment
Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed her final education budget, delivering a historic $502 million investment aimed at boosting student literacy and supporting free school meals across the state. The budget emphasizes literacy initiatives, including specialized training for educators. In a related move, the legislation mandates that Michigan elementary school teachers must complete 'Science of Reading' training by the 2031-2032 school year. This requirement is part of a broader push to integrate evidence-based literacy methods into the state's teaching curriculum.
Major Tech Giants Collaborate on DOE's $5 Billion AI for Science Mission
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has announced a $5 billion Genesis Mission, a national initiative aimed at utilizing artificial intelligence to drive scientific breakthroughs. This mission involves interdisciplinary research efforts and collaboration with various federal agencies. Microsoft has committed $60 million to the Genesis Mission, providing compute credits and establishing a new internal program office (SPARK) to coordinate company work with the DOE's 17 national laboratories. This commitment is part of a broader push to accelerate AI for science, alongside other federal agencies and industry players like HPE and WLY, benefiting the broader federal AI initiative.
China Showcases AI and Robotics Advances at Shanghai Forum Amid US Rivalry
China's leading technology companies displayed hundreds of advanced products, including sophisticated robotics and artificial intelligence systems, at the World AI Conference in Shanghai. The exhibition highlighted China's technological prowess and its growing rivalry with the United States in the global AI landscape. Chinese President Xi Jinping used the platform to outline an ambitious vision for AI diplomacy, aiming to leverage China's technological boom for increased global influence. The conference also underscored the industry's rapid growth, showing a race to cut computing costs and deploy AI agents into practical applications.
Scientific Misconceptions and Light Pollution Impact Firefly Behavior
Scientific understanding of firefly light has been challenged, leading to discussions about the accuracy of established measurements and how such findings could impact broader scientific fields. This debate is compounded by environmental concerns, as light pollution from artificial sources is blinding North American fireflies. This disruption directly interferes with their mating rituals, highlighting the delicate balance between natural light and human-made illumination.
CuspAI Launches Global Network to Accelerate AI Materials Discovery
AI startup CuspAI has successfully raised $450 million in Series B funding to scale its platform, which focuses on accelerating materials discovery. The company launched the AI Materials Foundry, a global network bringing together data, compute, and scientific expertise to rapidly design new materials for various applications. This initiative involves collaboration with over 45 partners, including major entities like NVIDIA and Meta, establishing regional hubs across the US, Europe, and APAC. The goal is to automate simulations and validation processes, speeding up research in critical areas such as semiconductor fabrication, clean energy solutions, battery technology, and next-generation AI infrastructure.
Summer STEM Camps Expand Learning Opportunities for Local Families
Summer learning opportunities expanded for the community through several successful science and STEM programs. The Ruth Patrick Science Center held its final STEM career camp, emphasizing the vast options available in science careers. Other events focused on hands-on community engagement, such as Summer Science Day 2026, which included tabling and presentations for local families. Additionally, a female STEM camp at CSIU in Montandon showcased the knowledge and skills gained by young participants.
Take Yomuyo with you
Download the mobile app for personalized headlines and quick access to breaking stories.