In the journal Human Evolution, they published the discovery of da Vinci’s surviving descendants, writes NBC News.
These are located in Italy, and according to the researchers behind the article, they will be able to help historians scientifically investigate the roots of his genius.
Researched for 21 generations
The findings were published on July 4, and researchers have followed genetic traces 700 years back in time, through 21 generations. They started with da Vinci’s great-great-great-great-grandfather.
– ARCHIVE PHOTO: The last meal is among Leonardo da Vinci’s most famous works. Photo: Antonio Calanni / AP
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The Renaissance artist, architect and engineer is best known for having painted the works “The Last Supper” and “Mona Lisa”. He had no children, but is said to have had 22 half-siblings. He was born on April 15, 1452 and died in 1519.
Can set deep tracks
Historians now plan to examine the genes of their descendants. They will do this by exploring the Y chromosome, which is passed on to those of the male sex, according to the researchers themselves.
“Because this particular male line is unbroken, it is possible that the Y chromosome remains unchanged,” they wrote in the article.
A DNA study of the descendants will be able to reveal something about da Vinci’s health and personality, as well as contribute as a confirmation of his remaining work.
The program is an international collaboration that includes researchers from the Leonardo Da Vinci Heritage Association, the Museo Ideal Leonardo Da Vinci in Italy and the J. Craig Venter Institute in California.
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