Egyptian mummies: tomb toxin threat

Some suggested that the pharaoh's curse was biological in nature.

• Lab studies have shown some ancient mummies carried mold, including Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus flavus, which can cause congestion or bleeding in the lungs.
• Bacteria such as Pseudomonas and Staphylococcus may also grow on tomb walls, causing lung problems.

However, the idea that an underground tomb, after 3,000 years, would have some microorganism in it that would kill somebody weeks later is highly unlikely.