Recent discoveries involving DNA samples from Beethoven, a famous composer in the 19th century, have shown was his cause of death may have actually been. Before any research was conducted it was believed that he had passed from liver failure. Though, a lock of his hair revealed to scientists that he carried several risk factors for liver disease. The locks of hair collected were used to reconstruct Beethoven's genome. This revealed a variant of the gene PNPLA3 which is linked to liver failure. Scientists also discovered hepatitis B in his genome. Hepatitis B can also severely affect the liver. After these findings and having the prior knowledge of Beethoven's drinking habits, it was concluded that liver failure was his cause of death.
It is insanely impressive that scientists can recreate a genome from someone who lived over 200 years ago. The ability to recreate genome sequences such as the scientists did in this case is a big stepping stone for understanding life, medical research, drug development, and evolutionary studies. It will be interesting to see how researchers use this technology as time progresses and what will come of it.
https://www.sciencenews.org/article/beethoven-hair-dna-composer-death
