Scientists found traces on a drawing by da Vinci and are close to unraveling the DNA of the genius

Researchers have discovered traces of DNA on a drawing that may belong to the hand of Leonardo da Vinci. This was reported by DW.

During the initial analysis, a connection was established between the genetic material found on the sheet and the family samples of the artist. However, the obtained data requires further verification.

The international research group is led by American scientist Harinder Singh from the J. Craig Venter Institute. His team focused on studying a drawing known as "The Holy Infant," which is in a private collection. The scientists collected microscopic samples from both the front and back sides of the sheet. In addition to human genetic material, the study also revealed DNA from bacteria, fungi, plants, and animals.
However, there is one complication—the exact authorship of the drawing remains in question, and art historians only speculate that the work belongs to da Vinci. Moreover, the fragments of DNA were found to be heavily damaged, which theoretically could indicate that it belonged to different people who have touched this object over the centuries.
The research group consists of over 30 scientists from various countries, including anthropologists, archaeologists, art historians, and geneticists. They plan to conduct DNA analysis on fifteen living men who are direct descendants of da Vinci through the paternal line.