Scientists Just Sequenced The DNA Of Ötzi The Iceman And They Were Shocked

Do you remember, oh, the Iceman, the astonishing 5,300-year-old mummy, unearthed from the icy embrace of the Italian Alps? This is the world's first replica of OT, the Iceman, get ready because this ancient wonder is back in the spotlight, sending the scientific world into a frenzy. Community, it's such an interesting story, it's a crime story after sequencing, DNA researchers have stumbled upon a groundbreaking revelation that could revolutionize our understanding of human ANC R. This is simply incredible, this is a finding that forever changes what we think about the past. How amazing! This time the Iceman's secrets have been revealed, keep watching because we're about to take a deep dive into the exciting discovery that has

scientists

buzzing with excitement.

The Iceman is one of the most fascinating and important archaeological discoveries of all time. He is 530 years old. Old mummy that was found frozen in the Alps near the Austria-Italy border in 1991. Oty's discovery was actually a lucky accident. On September 19, 1991, two German tourists, Casco and Erica Simon, were hiking through the Otal Alps on their way to Similon. mountain while crossing a glacier

they

noticed something protruding from the ice at first

they

thought it was a piece of trash or a backpack but as they got closer they realized it was a human body they were surprised and scared thinking they had tripped A recent victim of a motorcycle accident mountaineering took some photos and marked the spot with a stick and then rushed to the nearest cabin to report their find.

The next day, a team of DARS mountaineers and the hut keeper went to the site to investigate. They tried to free the body from the ice using a pneumatic drill and ice axes, but the weather was bad and they had to give up. They left the body partially exposed covered with a tarp. During the following days several more people visited the place, including some journalists. and famous mountaineers such as Hans Camland and Reinold Mesner, all assumed that the body was that of a modern hiker who had died recently, perhaps a few years ago, however, on September 22, Insbrook forensic expert Rainer Hen arrived at the scene. and realized that the body was much larger than anyone had thought.

He realized that clothing and equipment were made from primitive materials such as leather, fur, grass and wood. He also saw that the body had tattoos and a copper axe, indicating that it belonged to the Copper Age around the year 3,000. BC immediately contacted archaeologist Conrad Spindler, who confirmed his suspicions. They decided to extract the body and transport it to Inbrook for further examination. The next day they managed to remove the body and some of the objects that were found nearby, such as a bow and a quiver. A dagger and a net were placed in a wooden coffin and flown by helicopter to penetrate the body and the artifacts were taken to the Institute of Forensic Medicine where they were carefully studied by a team of experts from various disciplines such as Archaeology, Anthropology, Radiology. pathology, genetics and botany, performed a series of tests and analyses, such as radiocarbon dating, x-rays, Connecticut scans, DNA extraction and pollen identification, they were able to determine many aspects of the life and death of, such as his age, height, weight, health, diet, clothing, tools. origin and cause of death discovered that Uty was around 45 years old, 1.6 m tall and 50 kg in weight, had brown eyes, dark hair, and blood type O.

He suffered from several diseases and injuries such as arthritis, whipworm, cavities, broken ribs and head. He ate a balanced diet of cereals, meat, fruits and vegetables. The first attempt to extract and analyze oty DNA was made in 1992, shortly after its discovery; However, this was a very challenging task as the DNA was degraded and contaminated by modern human and environmental factors. Contact

scientists

removed a bone sample from 's pelvis and performed the first DNA sequencing of the Ice Man. This was a groundbreaking achievement as it was one of the oldest and largest ancient DNA data sets ever constructed.

DNA sequencing revealed many interesting facts about the genetics of '. makeup ancestry health and possible relatives one of the main findings was that uty belonged to a rare genetic group called the K1 haplo group that is still present in some modern populations, especially in Europe and the Near East, this suggests that oty had a complex ancestry that involved migrations. and the mixing of different groups of people over thousands of years its maternal lineage dates back to the first farmers who spread from Anatolia to Europe about 8,000 years ago. However, his paternal lineage was still unknown as the Y chromosome DNA was too degraded to be analyzed.

Another important finding was that he had several genetic variants that are associated with diseases or traits in modern humans, for example, he had a mutation that increased his risk of heart disease, which is consistent with the fact that he had hardened arteries and signs of atherosclerosis. He had a mutation that made him lactose intolerant, meaning he couldn't digest dairy products. He had brown eyes, dark hair and skin, as well as a gene that predisposed him to male pattern baldness. He also had an O positive blood type, which is the most common blood type in the world today.

Scientists were surprised to learn that Uty had living relatives by comparing his DNA with that of thousands of people from different regions. The researchers identified 19 men from the region where the AI ​​was found who shared a common ancestor with it. How cool is it that these men are distant cousins ​​of AI separated by about 300 generations. They are part of a larger genetic group that extends throughout Europe and the Near East, indicating that the relatives are not confined to a specific area. Another DNA sequencing was performed. done in 2008 and with another series of shocking results, one of the most notable achievements in the study of oty was the sequencing of its entire genome.

This was done using a revolutionary technology called solid that can generate massive amounts of DNA data in a short time. Genome sequencing allowed researchers to explore traits of Oy's genetic history and ancestry, as well as compare him to modern populations and other ancient humans. The main findings and results of oy's DNA sequencing in 2008 were that he belonged to a rare maternal lineage called k1f, which can no longer be traced in modern populations, this suggests that he was part of a small, isolated group of people who They lived in the Alps and had little contact with other regions.

He had brown eyes, dark hair and skin. These traits were common among early Europeans. Farmers who migrated from Anatolia and mixed with local hunter-gatherers, light-skinned and blue-eyed genes became more prevalent later in history as a result of dietary changes and later migrations, and had several associated genetic variants. with diseases or health conditions such as lactose intolerance increased risk of coronary heart disease increased risk of arthritis and increased risk of blood clots some of these VAR may have contributed to his poor health and eventual death, as he also suffered from tooth decay, infections and wounds from parasites or had a high level of Anatolia. peasant ancestry that was unusual for their time and place, most European Coer AGs had a more balanced ancestry with contributions from both Anatolian farmers and indigenous hunter-gatherers.

High UT peasant ancestry May indicate that you were a recent migrant to the Alps or that you belonged to a different cultural group that practiced endogamy or married within the same group and did not have any step ancestry the step ancestry was the result of modern contamination From the DNA that was removed in the new analysis, staggered ancestry is characteristic of the people who spread Indo-European languages ​​and culture in Europe and Asia began about 4,900 years ago. It lived before this expansion and its language and culture remain unknown in 2023. However, a team of researchers from Urq Research and the Max Plank Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology published a new and improved OI genome sequence based on a sample taken from his pelvis bone, used advanced sequencing technology that can read longer, more precise DNA fragments, and applied rigorous quality control measures to prevent contamination of modern DNA.

They compare OI's genome with those of other ancient and modern humans, as well as other species, to obtain information about its origins and characteristics. One of the surprising findings of the new study was that the oty had more common ancestry with the early farmers who migrated from Anatolia or the modern turkey to Europe about 8,000 years ago. than with the stepped shepherds who arrived later from Eastern Europe. This contradicts previous analysis that suggested Ay was descended from Pastor Steep. The researchers explained that the previous result was probably due to contamination of modern DNA that skewed the interpretation of the ancestry of the new The study also confirmed that oy belonged to a rare branch of the Y chromosome Hao Group G that is still found today in some populations of Sardinia and Corsica.

Another interesting finding from the new study was that the AI ​​had a darker skin color than researchers previously assumed. several genetic variants that affect skin pigmentation and discovered that he had a combination of allals that would result in a skin tone similar to that of people from the Middle East or South Asia. They also noticed that the color of the skin was close to that of his mummified body. body, meaning that the mummification process did not significantly alter its appearance. Researchers have also explained why Ay has such dark skin even before being mummified. The answer lies in her ancestry and DNA from her diet showed that she had more early peasant ancestry than most. other ancient Europeans gave him dark skin, brown eyes, and lactose intolerance;

However, his body also had some typical hunter-gatherer traits, such as a slim build, a long nose, and tattoos. It has also been confirmed that he has a genetic variation for male pattern baldness, which may explain why he wore a cap made of bare skin. UT's dark skin was probably an adaptation to the high level of ultraviolet radiation he was exposed to in the Alps. Melanin is a pigment that protects the skin from sun damage and people who live in Sunny. The regions tend to have more, however, melanin also reduces the production of vitamin D, which is essential for bone health and immune system function.

Vitamin D can be obtained from foods, especially animal products such as meat, fish eggs, and dairy. The diet was rich in meat, as evidenced by the remains of IEX and venison in his stomach, this may have compensated for his low vitamin D synthesis and allowed him to maintain his dark skin; However, skin color was not typical of their time or region, most early European farmers had lighter skin than most as they adapted to the changes in climate and diet that occurred later. of the transition from hunting and gathering to agriculture. Farmers consumed much less vitamin D in their diet compared to hunter-gatherers and needed lighter skin to synthesize more vitamin D from the Sun genes that confer light skin tones did not become prevalent until 4,000 to 3,000 years ago, when it was already dead long ago.

The new study also validated some details about Oy's physical appearance and health. Investigators discovered he had brown eyes, blood typo, and lactose intolerance. who were already known from previous genome analysis, also confirmed that he had a genetic predisposition to male pattern baldness, meaning that he was probably bald or nearly bald when he died. In addition, they detected more genetic variants that are associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular disease. diseases such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and atherosclerosis, these findings are consistent with evidence of blocked arteries and heart problems that were seen in the body of, meanwhile, exactly how he met his death remains a source of controversy among scientists, one of the most popular.

The theories are that Oty was the victim of a violent conflict, possibly a tribal war or a personal fight according to this theory, or he was attacked by one or more enemies who chased him through the mountains from which he managed to escape but not before being shot in the back with An arrow reached the top of the mountains where he lay down and died. This theory is supported by several pieces of evidence, such as the presence of blood from at least four other individuals on his clothing and equipment, signs of a head injury.suffered a few days before his death and the fact that he carried a copper ax a valuable and rare weapon that could have made him a target for theft or envy another theory that is more maab is that ay was a ritual sacrifice offered to the gods or the spirits of the mountains according to this Theory ay was a chosen or volunteer who agreed to die for the good of his community was shot with an arrow as part of a ritual ceremony and then buried in a sacred place this theory is based on the idea that Copper Age people had a complex religious system involving human sacrifice and the place where uty was found was a special site for such practices.

This theory is supported by some of the objects found near his body, such as a birch bark container. which contained pieces of charcoal and embers possibly used for a fire ritual and a net that could have been used to further cover the body. Additionally, some researchers have suggested that the skin tattoos, found primarily on the back and legs, were part of a ritual marking or healing process. A third theory is that Oty was a shepherd or hunter who died. accidentally or naturally in the mountains according to this theory oy was a simple man who lived a nomadic or pastoral life moving with his animals or following his prey he was shot with an arrow by mistake perhaps by a fellow hunter who mistook him for an animal or by A rival who wanted to drive him away attempted to reach safety but succumbed to his injury.

This theory is based on the assumption that Copper Age people were peaceful and harmonious and that violence and conflict were rare or non-existent. This theory is supported by dietary analysis which showed that he ate a lot of meat and dairy products typical of a pastoral lifestyle and by the identification of some of the plants he consumed. indicating that he was familiar with the alpine environment and its resources. He died from an arrow wound to the left shoulder that caused massive bleeding and shock. The discovery of OI was a sensation that attracted worldwide attention and media coverage.

He was given the nickname oty later. In the total Alps where he was found, he was also called The ican similon Man Frozen Fritz and Troian Iceman. He became the subject of many books, documentaries, exhibitions and even a film. It also sparked much debate and controversy, especially regarding its ownership and preservation. A dispute arose between Austria and Italy over the jurisdiction of the site where it was found, which was close to the border and had changed several times throughout history, while the body has contributed much in the form of knowledge of human ancestry, It has continued to be a source of controversy between countries fighting over ownership of the body.

The first dispute arose between Italy and Austria, the two countries that border the area where Oty was found. The exact location of the discovery was on the Italian side of the border. but only a few meters away, the Austrian authorities initially claimed it as their property and transported it to Inbrook for examination. However, the Italians protested and argued that uty belonged to them since it was found in their territory. They also noted that UT's clothing and equipment suggested he was from the Southern Alps and that his DNA matched that of modern Italians. After a lengthy legal battle, the two countries agreed to share custody of Oty and he was transferred to the Southern Tero Archeology Museum in Bolzano, Italy, however, the controversy did not end there.

Another claimant emerged: the local population of the Otal Valley where Oty was found. They are a minority group in Italy with their own language and culture and consider Oty as one of their ancestors. They demanded that Oty be returned to them and that they have a say. in the way it is studied and displayed they also wanted to give it a proper burial in accordance with their Traditions they argued that oty was not a mere object but a human being with dignity and rights and who deserved respect and recognition they also stated that oty was a symbol of their identity and heritage and that it could help them preserve and promote their culture, the Ian and Austrian governments, however, rejected their claims and insisted that oty was a universal heritage of humanity and that it should be accessible to all, they argued that ay was a valuable source of scientific information and could reveal secrets about the past and the origins of civilization.

They also stated that AI was a global attraction and could boost tourism and the economy in the region. The ownership debate is still ongoing. and reflects the complex and delicate issues of cultural heritage, national identity and human rights, how the body is preserved today to prevent decomposition. Now that the body is no longer under the ice, the answer is not as simple as you might think: the body has undergone a long and complex journey from the glacier to the museum and requires special care and attention to maintain its extraordinary condition. The first challenge was transporting the body from the remote, high-altitude location where it was found to a location where it could be studied. and protect him, this was not an easy task since Oy's body was very fragile and sensitive to changes in temperature and humidity.

The initial attempt to pry Oy out of the ice with a jackhammer and chainsaw caused some damage to his body and equipment which was then airlifted. by helicopter to a nearby morg where he was kept in a refrigerated chamber. The next challenge was determining the best place to conduct scientific research on oty and his belongings. He was initially taken to Inbrook University in Austria, where he underwent various examinations and analyses, such as radiocarbon dating, DNA testing, X-ray scanning and CT scanning. These tests revealed many details about age, health, diet. , ancestry and cause of death after 7 years of study at Inbrook University, Ay was transported to the troll of southern Italy, where both were to be studied further. and exhibited at the Museum of Archeology of South Tire in Bolzano ay was encased within a specially made chamber that is kept dark and refrigerated to help preserve ay's body and the chamber is designed to simulate the conditions of the glacier where ay was found With a temperature of -6° C and a humidity of 98% the chamber also has a window that allows visitors to see the body of but only for a few minutes at a time to avoid exposing it to too much light and heat the chamber is not the Lo The only one that keeps Oty's body preserved is that he also receives regular treatments and interventions from a team of experts who monitor his condition and apply various methods to prevent deterioration and decomposition, for example.

For example, the body is sprayed with sterile water every few months to prevent it from drying out and cracking. The body is also covered with a thin layer of cellulose fibers that act as a protective barrier against bacteria and fungi. The child's body is also scanned and photographed periodically to detect any changes or damage. The child's body is not the only thing. Equipment and clothing that need conservation, which were also found with him on the glacier, are also kept in the museum and require special care. Equipment includes a copper axe, a flint dagger, a bow and arrows, a leather quiver, a backpack, a net, and a bag. and two wooden containers the clothing includes a fur robe a grass cape a fur hat leather shoes and various accessories these items are also kept in refrigerated and humidified chambers and are treated with different substances to prevent degradation and infestation of insects