Ep 8. Ice Mummies: Return of the Iceman (3)

In the third installment of NOVA's Ice Mummies series, titled "Return of the Iceman," scientists continue their investigation into the remains of a man found frozen in ice over 5,000 years ago in the Ötztal Alps. The mummified body, known as Ötzi, has already provided researchers with a wealth of information about life during the Copper Age, from his diet to his clothing to his health. In this episode, we follow a team of specialists as they use the latest technology to analyze Ötzi's blood and DNA, in the hopes of uncovering even more insights into this long-dead individual.

One of the key focuses of their research is on the contents of Ötzi's stomach, which is still partially preserved after all these years. By conducting a detailed analysis of the food particles present in the remains, the scientists hope to piece together a snapshot of what Ötzi ate in the hours before his death. This, in turn, can help them understand more about Copper Age society, including the types of plants and animals that were available for human consumption.

It's not just the organic matter that's being scrutinized, however. Ötzi's clothes and tools are also of great interest, as they reveal much about the technology and craftsmanship of the time. In this episode, we see as experts use X-rays and other imaging techniques to take a closer look at Ötzi's possessions, uncovering new details about the tools he used for hunting and survival.

Another breakthrough in Ötzi research comes from the study of his blood cells. By examining these cells under a microscope, scientists are able to gain insights into the cellular makeup of Bronze Age individuals, as well as how their bodies responded to injury and illness. This type of research could have implications for our understanding of health and disease even today.

As with the previous episodes in the series, "Return of the Iceman" is driven by the scientists' passion and curiosity about the past. Through their rigorous and often painstaking work, we are given a glimpse into the lives of our ancient ancestors, and the challenges they faced in a world that was very different from ours. Whether you're a history buff or simply curious about the latest advances in scientific research, this episode of NOVA is sure to satisfy your appetite for knowledge.