‘Real mummy’s curse’: health warning over growing trade in mummified human remains Academic paper says often illicit trade exposes enthusiasts – and postal workers handling items – to serious risks

https://www.theguardian.com/science/2026/aug/11/mummified-human-remains-trade-health-warning-curse?utm_source=Live+Audience&utm_campaign=857ea76744-nature-briefing-daily-20260812&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_-33f35e09ea-50432164 A rise in global trading of mummified remains could pose a serious health risk to buyers and postal workers, researchers say. A team of archaeologists analysed more than 100 social-media and auction-house posts advertising the sale of mummified remains. They found that many items showed signs of biodeterioration, but the posts rarely included any safety information on how to properly ship or store the remains. Mummified remains can harbour dormant microorganisms such as fungal spores, which can become airborne when disturbed and cause serious infections, the team warns.