Defrosting the Ice Man's DNA.

• Position: Prehistoric World - Observations on Otzi's DNA - Brief article

Scientists have long considered heart disease a modem problem. But "Otzi," the mummified man discovered in 1991 by two Germans hiking through the Italian Alps, may turn that theory on its head. Otzi was well-preserved in ice and snow for 5,300 years, so scientists have been able to learn a lot about him, including his age (46) and how he died (shot by an arrow). Now, after mapping out Otzi's DNA, they know even more: Not only did he have brown hair, brown eyes, and type O blood, but he also suffered from lactose intolerance--the inability to digest dairy--and heart disease. The dairy allergy...