DNA cracks centuries-old murder mystery involving one of history's most famous families - Fox News

What the report says

Fox News reported that researchers at Yale University say ancient DNA evidence has strengthened the case that malaria, not poisoning, caused the sudden death of Grand Duke Francesco I de’ Medici, the Renaissance ruler of Tuscany, in 1587. The findings come from a study published in iScience and publicized by Yale on June 30.

According to the report, Francesco and his wife, Bianca Cappello, died a day apart after developing intermittent fevers following time at a mosquito-filled villa. Their deaths long prompted speculation that they were poisoned, including rumors involving Francesco’s brother and rival, Cardinal Ferdinando de’ Medici. Researchers worked with paleopathologists from the University of Pisa to study DNA taken from Francesco’s ribs and from the remains of his younger brother, Giovanni de’ Medici, who died of malaria 25 years earlier.

The team found genetic traces of Plasmodium falciparum, the parasite linked to the deadliest form of malaria, including a novel strain in Giovanni’s bones. Fox News reported that researchers also found molecular evidence of P. falciparum and P. malariae in Francesco’s remains. Historical records had described symptoms consistent with malaria, then known in central Italy as “febbre terzana,” and treatments such as bloodletting.

Serena Tucci, a Yale anthropology professor who led the research, told Fox News Digital that poisoning cannot be completely excluded, but said malaria is the most likely explanation based on the evidence. Co-author Gisella Caccone said genomic techniques may help address other historical questions and could also improve understanding of how malaria parasites evolved over time.