The DNA of Leonardo da Vinci, the secret of his genius? – Europe1

A team of researchers wants to sequence the genome of the Renaissance genius. A police investigation worthy of the Da Vinci Code

Today, the project of an International team researchers who want to sequence the genome of Leonardo da Vinci

They are biologists, anthropologists, Art historians, experts of forensic science. they are French, Italian and US in particular; and they formed a very serious research team to find the “Da Vinci Code.” They want the genetic code of Leonardo da Vinci to decrypt it, and drill and perhaps the secret of his health, his origins, and especially his great brain. For almost 500 years after his death, the painter, inventor and writer still fascinates. Scientists would like to understand why he was so creative. With modern genetic sequencing techniques, researchers know that DNA can be exploited for centuries.

It is found that the DNA of Leonardo da Vinci? Because we are not completely sure of where he is buried …

Officially he is buried at Amboise Castle in Loire Valley. The first approach would actually authenticate the body through the known genetic descendants. A second track to the survey, more surprisingly, is to recover DNA on tables or books that have been touched by the artist. For now known exploit tiny amount of DNA. Researchers therefore hope recover hair or epidermis cells in the tables themselves, mixed with paint. It is known, among other things, that Leonardo da Vinci used his fingers to paint. The research will necessarily take several years because we will have lots of authority and precaution to study art. But researchers hope it will have announcements to make in 3 years, in May 2019, on the occasion of 500 years of the death of the artist.