People are trading mummified human remains online. Some scientists say that may be bad for their health

2 months ago by new_otters_raft to c/offbeat

Futurama anyone?

It's not something most people would picture being inside your average delivery package, but scientists say there's a global market online for preserved human remains — a niche hobby they say poses potential health hazards.

In a study published in the International Journal of Cultural Property, lead author Kirsty Squires and her team analyzed 128 web posts from 2015 to 2025 showing off or advertising remains from both humans and animals for sale.

"Mummified heads, hands and feet were very common," said Squires, a bioarchaeology professor at the University of Staffordshire in Stoke-on-Trent, England.

Mummified body parts can harbour dormant microorganisms — such as bacteria, fungi and yeast — that the researchers warn could cause health issues for some people when not properly handled, though some experts say there's not much cause for concern for collectors who know what they're doing.

Bluefalcon 5 points 2 months ago

We did this shit in the 60s. Unwrapping parties, yes they ate them!

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edgemaster72 6 points 2 months ago

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Bluefalcon 3 points 2 months ago

Here, this one is Teriyaki flavor!

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new_otters_raft 2 points 2 months ago

Ah yes, Zevulon The Great

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wyldrstallyns 2 points 2 months ago

I really want to crack a joke about a Spanish mummy and the perils of "veggie-based" assumptions, but I am le tired.

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