Archive · 1 Jul 2025
Swiss Scientists Preserve Human Waste in 'Doomsday' Vault
Imagine a super-safe fridge in Switzerland, called the Microbiota Vault, where scientists are keeping frozen poop!
Why?
Because poop has tiny creatures called microbes that can help us stay healthy.
Modern life is hurting these microbes, which are important for our health.
Scientists hope to save them in case we need them to fight diseases or fix our health in the future.
They're collecting samples from all over the world and also storing fermented foods.
It's like a backup plan for our health, just in case!
Scientists in Switzerland are storing thousands of frozen human waste samples in a 'doomsday' vault.
The goal is to preserve microbes for future use in addressing health or medical problems.
The vault currently holds over 1,200 stool samples and 190 fermented food samples.
Researchers aim to collect 10,000 samples by 2029 from around the world.
The project is inspired by the Svalbard Global Seed Vault and aims to safeguard microbial diversity.
- Who
- Scientists at the Microbiota Vault are collecting and storing samples.
- What
- Scientists are freezing and storing human waste samples.
- When
- The project began several years ago and aims to collect 10,000 samples by 2029.
- Where
- The Microbiota Vault is located in Switzerland.
- Why
- To preserve microbes for potential future use in medical treatments and to combat loss of microbial diversity.
Potential Benefits
Potential Drawbacks
Value of Microbial Preservation
Potential Benefits
Preserving microbial diversity could lead to future medical advancements and treatments.
Potential Drawbacks
The project is not necessary or effective.
- Location
- Switzerland
- Vault Name
- Microbiota Vault
- Samples Stored
- Over 1,200 stool samples, 190 food samples
- Temperature
- -80°C (-112°F)
- Target Samples
- 10,000 by 2029
- Inspiration
- Svalbard Global Seed Vault