Beethoven’s genes reveal no genius

Samples of Beethoven’s hair, tested at the Max Planck Institute in Berlin, show no extraordinary predisposition to musical creativity, a new study has revealed.

The study, conducted by scientists from the Max Planck Institutes for Empirical Aesthetics (MPIEA) and Psycholinguistics (MPI-PL), analyzed Beethoven’s DNA to explore his predisposition for musical abilities … Utilizing modern DNA sequencing techniques, the researchers focused on a specific trait related to musical ability: beat synchronization. This trait, closely linked to musicality, was assessed through a genome-wide association study (GWAS) involving the ability to clap in time with a musical beat.

Results of the study, recently published in the journal Current Biology, revealed intriguing insights into Beethoven’s genetic predisposition for musical abilities. Despite Beethoven’s celebrated status as one of the greatest composers in history, his genetic profile showed an unremarkable polygenic score for general musicality when compared to modern population samples.

Science, huh?

More here.