Five locks taken from Ludwig van Beethoven's head have revealed that he may likely have died from liver disease, not lead poisoning as was previously thought.
The world renowned composer Ludwig van Beethoven was infected with hepatitis B when he died, according to the first ever DNA analysis of the deaf musician's remains.
Born in 1770, Beethoven began to lose his ability to hear in his mid-to-late-20s, becoming completely deaf by his late-40s. He also suffered from increasingly severe gastrointestinal problems throughout his life, experiencing at least two attacks of jaundice, a symptom of liver disease. In 1802, as his ailments grew in severity, Beethoven asked his doctor friend Johann Adam Schmidt to uncover and publicize the strange disease he was suffering from, but Schmidt died 18 years before Beethoven.
To crack the great composer's genetic code, the researchers first set about figuring out if the eight locks of his hair they had obtained from collections in the U.S. and Europe were authentic. After using DNA analysis to determine the age of the locks; comparing the DNA taken from each; and assessing the results alongside the paperwork for each one, the researchers concluded that five of the locks came from Beethoven.
Further DNA analysis of the locks revealed the composer's high risk of liver disease, possibly caused by a genetic disorder called hereditary hemochromatosis. The risk factor did not exceed one that would go unnoticed by most people, but the researcher's believe Beethoven's well-documented love of alcohol, alongside his infection with hepatitis B — a virus which can damage the liver — could have caused him to develop liver disease.
Deutschland Neuesten Nachrichten, Deutschland Schlagzeilen
Similar News:Sie können auch ähnliche Nachrichten wie diese lesen, die wir aus anderen Nachrichtenquellen gesammelt haben.
DNA From Beethoven’s Hair Unlocks Family SecretBeethoven’s impressive head of hair is yielding new clues about his health problems and his ancestry
Weiterlesen »
Beethoven’s DNA decoded from locks of hair saved by his fansScientists searching for genetic clues to the German composer's medical ailments found a few surprises in DNA collected from treasured keepsakes
Weiterlesen »
DNA from Beethoven’s hair hints at what killed the composerMany historians suspect Beethoven died from liver failure. A new analysis shows he had a heightened genetic risk for liver disease, researchers say.
Weiterlesen »
DNA from Beethoven's hair offers clues on his life, deathThis Sunday marks the 196th anniversary of Beethoven's death in Vienna on March 26, 1827, at the age of 56.
Weiterlesen »
Scientists use Beethoven's hair to study his DNA and uncover his health issuesBeethoven wanted his hearing loss to be explained to the public after his death. Nearly two centuries later, researches were able to uncover secrets about his health - and family tree.
Weiterlesen »
Beethoven: Tests on hair prove composer's genetic health woesFive locks of Ludwig van Beethoven's hair were analysed by scientists led by Cambridge University.
Weiterlesen »