Trails of human bacteria from sneezing and coughing preserved on Mount Everest: study
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Even at one of the tallest natural peaks on Earth, humans have left their mark in a trail of bacteria as researchers have found germs from coughing and sneezing that have been potentially preserved for centuries on Mount Everest.
Researchers from the University of Colorado Boulder analysed soil samples from the South Col on Mount Everest, and found microbial DNA associated with humans.
Each year, hundreds of mountaineers camp at the South Col on Mount Everest's southern side in preparation for their attempt to reach the roof of the world.
Even bacteria that have acclimated to the warm, moist comfort of our noses and throats were able to lie dormant and survive the harsh, cold, and dry environment, which startled the researchers.