Leonardo da Vinci’s DNA may be hiding in his artwork, researchers say
CNN • • entertainment
Key Points:
- Scientists in the Leonardo da Vinci Project are attempting to unlock the artist's genetic secrets by analyzing DNA from artifacts he touched, as his remains are lost and unverified.
- Using minimally invasive dry swabbing techniques, the team collected environmental and human DNA from a disputed Leonardo drawing and letters, identifying a matching Y chromosome haplogroup E1b1 linked to the Tuscan region.
- While the DNA findings are not definitive proof of Leonardo’s genetic identity, they establish a framework for future studies that could confirm his genome by comparing DNA from multiple artifacts and potential descendants.
- Experts caution that some sampled materials may not be ideal for reconstructing Leonardo’s DNA, and authentic remains or descendants' DNA would be necessary for conclusive results.
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