[Sacajaweau]

How disrespectful can we get?? Any knowledge gained from cutting him open is not useful knowledge. Disgusting.

[mewzilla]

Murder victms are autopsied and often their killers never caught. This case is just colder than most :-)

[MD Expat in PA]

How disrespectful can we get?? Any knowledge gained from cutting him open is not useful knowledge. Disgusting.

It’s not disgusting at all. For one thing, the man was not formally buried but left dead, perhaps even murdered and was under snow and ice for 5,000 years. We can gain a lot of knowledge from this autopsy.

For instance, they found that he had coronary artery disease and Lymes disease. Heart disease has been thought to be the result of our modern life style and diet but this goes to indicate that there may be a stronger genetic component that may result in new research. Knowing that he had Lymes tells us a lot about the genetic makeup of the bacteria that causes the disease that plagues so many in modern times. Knowing more about his diet and his physiology is useful.

[WorkingClassFilth]

Agreed. Most of it will result in endless conjecture and academic blowhardism - probably the invention of entire new cultures, languages and the channeling lost memories. However, we live in an age where bodies of executed criminals are sliced and diced and tour the world in educational exhibits for the whole family with their guts strewn about and in saucy poses. Besides, who cares about some ancient dead guy in a culture where you can cut babies in chunks on the public dime because the Founders meant you to have such sacred rights.

[DManA]

Thousands of autopsies are done every day. Do you oppose the practice on religious grounds?