Da Vinci's DNA traced through living relatives to understand

Da Vinci’s DNA traced through living relatives to understand his genius
Denise Chow
© Provided by NBC News
Fourteen people alive today in Italy can claim that they are descendants of Leonardo da Vinci, according to a study of the Renaissance genius' family tree.
Researchers traced da Vinci's genealogy over nearly 700 years and 21 generations, from 1331 to the present day, beginning with da Vinci's great-great-great grandfather Michele.
The findings, published July 4 in the journal Human Evolution, could enable historians to reconstruct da Vinci's genome, helping them "scientifically explore the roots of his genius" and other characteristics, such as his left-handedness and unique sensory perceptions, the researchers wrote in the study.

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