All articles tagged with #genealogy
Scientists are close to reconstructing Leonardo da Vinci's DNA through a 30-year genealogical and genetic project, involving DNA analysis of living descendants and archaeological excavations in Vinci, Italy, which could reveal insights into his physical traits, health, and origins, and potentially authenticate his artworks and manuscripts.
Researchers are close to uncovering Leonardo da Vinci's genetic profile by studying his living male descendants and ancient remains, aiming to understand his biological traits, health, and possibly the origins of his genius through a groundbreaking international DNA project.
A groundbreaking DNA and genealogical study spanning 21 generations has confirmed the male-line descendants of Leonardo da Vinci, uncovered new details about his family, and explored biological traces in artifacts and remains, offering fresh insights into his life and legacy.
The remains of Ruth Elizabeth Brenneman, a 14-year-old girl from York, Pennsylvania, who went missing in 1973, have been identified through DNA analysis and genealogy research over 50 years later. Her decomposed body was found in a wooded area shortly after she disappeared, but remained unidentified until recent advancements in genealogy technology. The case highlights the role of investigative genetic genealogy in solving cold cases. The circumstances of her death remain unclear, and the investigation is ongoing, with a reward offered for information.
The remains of Ruth Elizabeth Brenneman, a 14-year-old girl who went missing in 1973, have been identified using genealogy, Pennsylvania authorities announced. Her body was found in a wooded area in Lebanon County, but the cause of death remains undetermined. The identification marks a significant step in the investigation, as officials continue to explore the circumstances surrounding her disappearance and death. Brenneman's family expressed relief at finally having some closure after 51 years.
In a shocking twist to a 1995 Texas cold case, Clayton Foreman was found guilty of murdering Mary Catherine Edwards, a schoolteacher who was a bridesmaid at his wedding. The case was solved using advanced DNA genealogy techniques, which linked Foreman to the crime scene. Despite his denials, DNA evidence confirmed his involvement, leading to his arrest and conviction nearly 30 years after the murder. The investigation revealed Foreman's history of violence and deception, ultimately bringing justice for Edwards and closure for her family and friends.
Genealogy students at Ramapo College in New Jersey confirmed that a jawbone found in a boy's rock collection in Arizona actually belonged to Captain Everett Leland Yager, a US Marine who died in a 1957 training exercise. The jawbone, complete with teeth, had been held by the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office since 2002. Traditional DNA tracking failed, but whole genome sequencing led to a family tree profile, and the Ramapo students, along with a high school-aged intern, identified a lead candidate who turned out to be Yager's daughter. DNA results confirmed the match, and the jawbone will be sent to Yager's surviving family. The mystery of how the jawbone ended up in Arizona remains unsolved.
Actor Michael Douglas discovered on the PBS series "Finding Your Roots" that he is a DNA cousin of actress Scarlett Johansson, sharing identical DNA stretches on four different chromosomes, linking back to Scarlett's maternal lines in Jewish communities in Eastern Europe. The show has previously revealed surprising connections between celebrities, including Julia Roberts and Edward Norton being genetic cousins and Kerry Washington learning she was conceived through a sperm donor.
A body found in 1978 in Missouri has been identified as that of missing Iowa teenager Helen Renee Groomes, thanks to advancements in DNA technology and genealogy. The remains, initially believed to be of a middle-aged woman, were determined to be those of a 15-year-old girl. After a pivotal breakthrough in 2023, DNA testing confirmed the match, bringing closure to the family of the missing girl. The investigation into Groomes' disappearance and death is ongoing.
Actor Michael Douglas was shocked to discover that Scarlett Johansson is his cousin during an episode of Finding Your Roots. The two share "identical branches of DNA on four different chromosomes," connecting them through Scarlett's maternal lines, which trace back to Jewish communities in Eastern Europe. Both actors have successful film careers and prioritize family, with Michael being married to Catherine Zeta-Jones and Scarlett to Colin Jost, and both raising children.
Robert Plympton, a man living in Oregon, has been found guilty of the 1980 murder of college student Barbara Mae Tucker after DNA from a piece of chewing gum linked him to the crime. The breakthrough in the cold case came from DNA technology that was not available over 40 years ago, and a genealogist with Parabon Nanolabs identified Plympton as likely linked to the DNA in the case. Plympton was not convicted of rape or sexual abuse due to lack of evidence, and he is scheduled to be sentenced in June.
Ancestry has digitized a trove of records from the archives of Ireland's Guinness brewery, spanning over 160 years, which will be available for free viewing from March 8-22. The records include employee details from 1799 to 1939 and trade ledgers from 1860 to 1960, offering insights into pub culture and potential family connections. This collection is expected to help many people of Irish descent reconnect with their roots, filling a genealogical void left by a 1922 fire that destroyed crucial records in Dublin.
Ancestry.com revealed that Taylor Swift and poet Emily Dickinson are sixth cousins, three times removed, sharing a 17th-century English immigrant ancestor who was an early settler of Windsor, Connecticut. Swift's upcoming album, The Tortured Poets Department, is set for release in April, and she has previously referenced Dickinson in her songwriting. Fans have noted connections between Swift's album Evermore and Dickinson, including its release date coinciding with the poet's birthday.
Ancestry revealed that Taylor Swift and poet Emily Dickinson are sixth cousins, three times removed, tracing their connection back to a 17th-century English immigrant who settled in Connecticut. Swift has referenced Dickinson before when describing her writing styles, and the revelation of their family connection comes as Swift prepares to release her 11th studio album, "The Tortured Poets Department," on April 19.
Genealogy company Ancestry revealed that Taylor Swift is distantly related to the prolific poet Emily Dickinson, being sixth cousins, three times removed. Swift's upcoming album title, "The Tortured Poets Department," seems even more fitting now, as fans speculate on the influence of Dickinson on Swift's work, including her writing style and her album "Evermore." The album is set to be released on April 19, and fans are eagerly anticipating the connections between Swift's music and her newly discovered literary lineage.