Scientists Bake Bread Using Yeast From 5,300-Year-Old Mummy

In a remarkable feat of ancient microbiology, scientists have resurrected yeast from a 5,300-year-old mummy, successfully using it to bake bread. The mummy, famously known as Ötzi, was discovered preserved in the Alps, revealing a treasure trove of microbial life within its tissues, including ancient gut bacteria and cold-loving yeasts.

Researchers managed to cultivate these resilient yeasts in a laboratory setting. Through a gradual process, they acclimated the microorganisms to a flour-based environment. After several months of careful experimentation, the ancient yeasts began to behave much like conventional baker's yeast, enabling them to produce a standard dough.

The dough rose successfully within 24 hours, and the resulting bread was described by the scientists as "very delicious." Emboldened by this success, the team now intends to use the same yeast, extracted from Ötzi's remains, to brew beer. This project bridges millennia, offering a taste of prehistoric sustenance through modern scientific innovation.