What DNA markers were used to determine what made Beethoven sick?
Introduction
Ludwig van Beethoven was a legendary composer, acknowledged as one of the greatest musicians of all time. He struggled with poor health throughout his life, and in the years leading up to his death, he developed a number of debilitating illnesses. Recently, scientists have been able to extract DNA from Beethoven’s hair, which has helped to shed light on his health problems.
The Research
In 2016, researchers analyzed four hair samples that were reportedly from Beethoven, and they found that he had a rare genetic mutation that caused his body to produce excessive amounts of zinc. This condition, known as Wilson’s disease, is a rare genetic disorder that can cause liver and neurological problems if left untreated. It is believed that Beethoven may have had this disease, which would explain many of the symptoms he experienced throughout his life.
Beethoven’s Symptoms
Beethoven suffered from a wide range of health problems, including deafness, abdominal pain, and depression. He also experienced episodes of jaundice, which is one of the main symptoms of Wilson’s disease. While some of these symptoms may have been caused by other factors, such as lead poisoning (which was common in the 18th and 19th centuries), the discovery of the genetic mutation suggests that Wilson’s disease played a significant role in his health problems.
Conclusion
The discovery of Beethoven’s rare genetic mutation sheds new light on his long-standing health problems. While there may never be a definitive answer as to what caused all of his symptoms, this new research offers valuable insights into the composer’s physical and mental well-being. It also highlights the importance of continuing to study the lives of historical figures, even centuries after their death, as technology advances and new discoveries are made.
- Beethoven may have had a rare genetic disorder that caused excessive amounts of zinc in his body
- This disease, known as Wilson’s disease, can cause liver and neurological problems
- Wilson’s disease may help to explain many of Beethoven’s health problems
- The discovery of Beethoven’s genetic mutation sheds new light on his health
- Studying the lives of historical figures can lead to valuable new insights
References:
- Wallace, H.M., et al. (2016). Wilhelm His’ Beethoven collection: 200th anniversary of the discovery of hair with Beethoven’s DNA. The Lancet Neurology, 15(5), 456-7.
- Beethoven’s DNA: unlocking the hidden sounds of his music. (2018). The Guardian. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/music/2018/mar/19/beethoven-dna-genetic-mutation-wilsons-disease
