Scientists are nearing the completion of the Leonardo DNA Project, which aims to analyze the DNA of Leonardo da Vinci's living male descendants and ancient remains to uncover his genetic profile.

This effort could reveal not only physical traits and health predispositions but also challenge our understanding of Leonardo's life, genius, and possibly his causes of death.

If DNA from ancient remains matches that of the descendants, researchers could reconstruct Leonardo's DNA, providing unprecedented insights into his genetics.

A comprehensive family tree tracing over 21 generations and more than 400 individuals, including 15 direct male-line descendants, supports the genetic continuity from Leonardo's paternal line.

Genealogical research has identified these descendants through Y chromosome testing, confirming their direct male-line connection to Leonardo.

The project is a collaborative effort involving institutions like The Rockefeller University, the University of Florence, and the J. Craig Venter Institute, with support from various foundations.

Researchers are also mapping Leonardo's early environment and properties in Vinci, which could provide valuable context for understanding his development.

New hypotheses about Leonardo's maternal background suggest his mother may have been a slave, based on historical documents, adding depth to his personal history.

Scientists are investigating a charcoal drawing called 'Unicorn Dragon,' believed to be by Leonardo, which features iconography related to flight and mythical creatures, with plans for scientific analysis.

The project reflects Leonardo's forward-thinking ideas about heredity, resembling modern epigenetics, by considering how diet, blood, and parental behavior could influence genetic traits.

There is potential to authenticate Leonardo's artworks and manuscripts through DNA analysis, which could transform art provenance verification.