New techniques and old locks of hair allow researchers to get a little closer to solving an enduring medical mystery: What killed Ludwig van Beethoven?
A 56-year-old musician presents with diffuse abdominal pain, cramping, and jaundice. His medical history is notable for years of diffuse abdominal complaints, characterized by disabling bouts of diarrhea.
An interesting note on social history: The patient had apparently developed some feelings for the niece of that doctor who prescribed alcohol. Her name was Therese, perhaps mistranscribed as Elise, and it seems that he may have written thisThis week, we unravel the curious case of Ludwig van Beethoven, thanks to modern DNA extraction techniques, genome-wide association studies, and eight locks of hair.
The Hiller Lock. Ira F. Brilliant Center for Beethoven Studies, San Jose State University. Photo by William Meredith.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
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.
Read more »
InnovationRx: Beethoven’s Genome; Plus, Billionaires Back New Kind Of Health ResearchInnovationRx is your weekly digest of healthcare news. Sign up!
Read more »
Researchers Study Beethoven's Hair, Unlock New Secrets About His Life, DeathHis music changed the world, and nearly 200 years after his death, new technology is unlocking new secrets about the life and death of Ludwig Van Beethoven.
Read more »
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
Read more »
Locks of hair compose a symphony of genetic information on BeethovenUsing five locks of hair, scientists have sequenced the genome of one of history's greatest musical composers - Ludwig van Beethoven - nearly two centuries after his death, gaining insight into his fatal liver disease but not his hearing loss.
Read more »
Beethoven’s cause of death revealed from locks of hairGenetic sleuthing points to liver disease, viral hepatitis and alcohol consumption as causes of the composer’s demise.
Read more »