Poland: Don’t test Chopin’s heart for cystic fibrosis
July 26th, 2008
From Time/Associated Press, the [UK] Guardian:
The Polish government has denied requests from scientists to perform DNA tests on Chopin’s heart to determine whether the composer actually died from complications associated with cystic fibrosis, not tuberculosis.
Chopin’s heart has been preserved in a jar of alcohol inside a pillar at Warsaw’s Holy Cross Church since 1849, except when removed for safekeeping during World War II.
Cystic fibrosis was not discovered until decades after Chopin died at age 39, and scientists believe the heart could validate historical evidence suggesting that many of his symptoms match the condition, including respiratory infections, recurrent fevers, delayed puberty and infertility.
A government spokeswoman said the research was not “justified by the potential knowledge to be gained.”
‘This is a very important request,’ said Dr Michael Witt, of Warsaw’s Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology. ‘If we can prove Chopin suffered from cystic fibrosis, then we will have shown that a serious medical disability is still no barrier to achieving fame and success.’
See earlier post here.
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