Analysis of Beethoven's DNA from his hair uncovers unexpected aspects about his demise
A groundbreaking study by The Beethoven Genome Project has shed light on the cause of Ludwig van Beethoven's death, nearly 200 years after his passing. The research, led by Dr. Christopher E. Plaisier and published in an article, analysed a lock of Beethoven's hair using whole-genome sequencing, debunking some myths and raising new questions about the composer's life and demise.
The definitive cause of Beethoven's death, according to the 2023 study, was liver failure. The researchers found evidence of a hepatitis B infection in Beethoven, which supports the long-suspected connection to his liver health. This discovery coincides with the composer's known history of heavy drinking.
Interestingly, Layla Renshaw from Kingston University, UK, found the genetic examination of Beethoven's hair intriguing. Tristan Begg, another researcher, stated that a single gene is unlikely to cause late-onset forms of hearing loss in Beethoven, as previously speculated.
The genetic analysis also revealed a high genetic susceptibility to liver disease in Beethoven. However, the researchers did not find any genetic factor linked to Beethoven's gastrointestinal problems or deafness. Additionally, the analysis found evidence of lead, cadmium, and zinc in Beethoven's hair, but the levels were not high enough to have caused his death.
The ethical justification for employing genetic analysis, according to Renshaw, is to eliminate past misunderstandings or conjectures about Beethoven's health and death. The study's findings suggest that liver disease could have played a role in Beethoven's death, providing a new perspective on the composer's final days.
Beethoven passed away on March 26, 1827, at the age of 56. The official cause of his death was liver failure, as confirmed by this new study. The findings from this genetic analysis of Beethoven's hair have debunked some myths while raising new questions about his life and death, offering a fascinating insight into the life of one of history's most celebrated composers.
The genetic analysis of Beethoven's hair revealed a high genetic susceptibility to chronic liver diseases, possibly contributing to his fatal liver failure, a finding supported by evidence of a hepatitis B infection and his history of heavy drinking. The study also debunked the speculation of a single gene causing Beethoven's late-onset hearing loss, as previously thought, and provided new insights into health-and-wellness aspects of Beethoven's life and medical-conditions that led to his demise.
