A deeper analysis of the genetic material of the Tyrolean mummy discovered in the Italian Alps over two decade ago reveals that when he was alive, Otzi the Iceman had brown eyes, was type O blood type, lactose intolerant, was predisposed to heart disease and had the earliest case of Lyme disease dating back to prehistoric times.

otiz sciencedaily 234x300 DNA Reveals More about Otzi the 5,300 Year Old Iceman

From Science Daily

The Tyrolean Iceman was named after the region of the Alps where he was discovered in 1991 by a pair of hiking German tourists. The body went through a natural mummification process because it was submerged and frozen in ice shortly after the Iceman’s death. Because of this scientists have been able to learn so much about how prehistoric people lived their everyday lives.

Originally examining the mitochondrial DNA of Otzi, scientists were more limited with the extent of information they were able to gather.  A new analysis of Otzi’s full genome sequence found within the nuclei of his cells has disclosed so much more.

A common ancestry line was established between Otzi and present day inhabitants of the Tyrrhenian Sea. The Iceman may actually have present day relatives that this genetic code can trace through both maternal and fraternal blood lines. Mitochondrial DNA analysis on the other hand is limited to genetic code pass through the maternal line.

Otzi’s cause of death at 46 was a fatal arrow wound. By searching for both human DNA and the DNA of foreign organisms, scientists found Borrelia burgdorferi microbes. Borrelia burgdorferi microbes are the bacterium that causes Lyme disease.

The article citing this research states, “Sequences corresponding to ~60% of the genome of Borrelia burgdorferi are indicative of the earliest human case of infection with the pathogen for Lyme borreliosis.”

These new leads allow scientists to divulge into the migratory patterns of not only humans but also diseases.

Just through DNA we are learning more about our ancestors of the past, who we are today and what may happen in the future. A DNA predisposition test can reveal over 25 different diseases that you or your loved ones may be genetically predisposed to.

Similar to how scientists have learned that Otzi was predisposed to heart disease and had Lyme disease, people are able to take these genetic tests as proactive and preventative measures for their own health.

Today the body of the Iceman is stored at the South Tyrol Museum of Archeology in Italy at a constant temperature of -6°C. Visit the museum’s website to learn more about Otzi the Iceman.

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