article_snippet: According to the Harvard School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, in a news report published Monday, rising humidity that helps microbes flourish on the mummies is to blame.
article_snippet: The role of rising humidity was confirmed through testing on skin samples by Harvard professor Ralph Mitchell and researcher Alice DeAraujo, according to the news release.
article_snippet: Harvard professor Ralph Mitchell and researcher Alice DeAraujo findings will help conservationists in Arica -- an arid area where humidity levels have been increasing in recent years -- safeguard Harvard professor Ralph Mitchell and researcher Alice DeAraujo precious relics.
highlights_snippet: Scientists find that higher humidity levels cause microbes to flourish on the mummies' skin .
  