Scientists finally determine iceman Otzi's last meal [Ice Man]

PhysOrg.com ^ | June 22, 2011 | by Deborah Braconnier

[Red Badger]

In a presentation at the Seventh World Congress on Mummy Studies, researchers from the Institute for Mummies and the Iceman revealed that they had finally located the iceman known as Otzi’s stomach and determined his last meal. They were also able to successfully sequence his entire genome.

Researchers from the Institute for Mummies and the Iceman in Italy divided the presentation into three different topics. The first part of the presentation was given by microbiologist Frank Maixner. He had recently examined old tomography scans taken of Otzi back in 2005 and was able to finally locate the stomach which was farther up in the torso and in an unusual position. They found the stomach to be full and, upon examination and sequencing of the DNA, they determined that Otzi had eaten Alpine ibex just 30 to 120 minutes before his death.

The next presentation was led by anatomist Frank Ruhli and dentist Roger Seiler from the Centre for Evolutionary Medicine through the University of Zurich. They presented the dental health of Otzi who was presumed to have dies between the age of 35 and 40. Using three-dimensional images of his teeth, they showed how Otzi had suffered some form of blunt force trauma to two teeth only a few days before his death. They also showed how he suffered from periodontal disease and many cavities. These signs of cavities confirm the fact that the Iceman had consumed a diet full of carbohydrates.

[SNIP]

This genome has already shed some light on some previous beliefs. While most artists performing facial reconstructions of Otzi have shown him with blue eyes, the new sequenced genome show that he probably had brown eyes.

[Red Badger]

Whatever the cause, he was not a Happy Camper..................

[freedomlover]

“Institute for Mummies and the Iceman”

---

Something tells me this might be a fun group to hang out with after hours.

Or maybe not.

I can just imagine when they give out their card - “No, no, man, it’s a real place, honest”.

[Bringbackthedraft]

My neighbors said it was the Iceman that was seeing my wife after I left for work. Now that I have a good look at him, I’ll catch him next time.

[freedomlover]

Could have been friendly fire in the hunt for that Ibex . . .

“Hey man I got dibs on the Ibex, I mean like stupid Gorg SHOT ME IN THE FRIGGIN BACK over it!”

[Beagle8U]

What a total crap article!

Saying he ate an ibex just hours before is pure BS.

Any fool can see from the photos that the guy hasn't eaten in weeks.

[Red Badger]

Uh, 5000 years of dessication in a glacier will do that to you...........

[Beagle8U]

Who would have thought that needed a’Sarc’ at the end?

[aMorePerfectUnion]

TRUE PALEO DIET ALERT!!!

Alpine Ibex is the ticket to health!

[WKUHilltopper]

McMastodon?

[Hatteras]

"Using three-dimensional images of his teeth, they showed how Otzi had suffered some form of blunt force trauma to two teeth only a few days before his death"

Sounds like the ibex went down swinging...

[Red Badger]

Here on FR it’s sometimes hard to tell...............

[Pearls Before Swine]

I still find it hard to imagine that this guy is over 5,000 years old.

So, he looks a lot younger to you?

Joking aside, I find it hard to believe that he was naturally mummified, too.

[Calusa]

Could have been friendly fire in the hunt for that Ibex . . .

Yeah... But the broken teeth attests to something close up and personal. And that happened first, right? Otzi escaped one encounter only to be tracked down and shot. Perhaps he was able to avoid his pursuers again only to succumb to the elements.

[fieldmarshaldj]

"TRUE PALEO DIET ALERT!!! Alpine Ibex is the ticket to health!"

Here and I thought Ron Paul ate shrimps.

[freedomlover]

A hoof or two to the mouth . . . an arrow in the back from one of your buddies needing some more range time . . . the guy was probably glad to take an ice nap . . .

[Cyman]

Dental caries traced back to carbohydrates???? Methinks someone is wrong as to the age of this guy unless the local Dairy Queen goes back a LOT further than we think.

[youngidiot]

Joking aside, I find it hard to believe that he was naturally mummified, too.

Being frozen solid for 5,000 would mess up some meat (and skin) I would think.

[Pearls Before Swine]

Well, he looks like he has some freezer burn.

[SunkenCiv]

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