蜜芽传媒

A decade-long investigation into Leonardo da Vinci鈥檚 DNA has found 14 living male relatives, from whom it is hoped the secrets of his genius may be uncovered. It's also hoped that it can lead to more answers about his own murky ancestry - and lead to techniques which allow DNA to be used to authenticate the true artists behind paintings.

Professor Jesse Ausubel, who lead of the investigation, says it could help them pinpoint attributes which, combined, gave him his genius - for example his exceptionally clear eyesight or visual acuity which led to perfect tiny drawings and the ability to track movement "like the best football goalie".

"This is an opening into a new tool to attribute cultural artefacts to their creators. If we can connect Leonardo's DNA to drawings, to paintings, to notebooks, similar techniques could be used for other artists and other creators."

(Photo: Portrait of Leonardo da Vinci, by Lattanzio Querena. Credit: Getty Images)