What really killed Beethoven? Centuries-old hair samples shed light on mysteryÂ
Genome sequencing reveals the composer had several genetic risk factors for liver disease and past hepatitis B infection.
A new theory on Ludwig van Beethoven’s death blames his heavy drinking, hepatitis B infection and a predisposition to liver disease based on genetic testing of 194-year-old hair samples.Â
Doctors have spent years debating the cause of the German composer’s death in 1827, given his extensive medical history including complete deafness, jaundice and gastrointestinal complaints.Â
