British and Italian scientists have announced a plan to exhume the remains of the 16th century astronomer Galileo. The team hope that DNA tests will help to diagnose the visual problems Galileo is known to have suffered from throughout his life. Ironically, some of the findings of "father of modern physics" are thought to have been affected by his poor eyesight. Knowing what was wrong with his vision may make it possible to correct his erroneous observations, say the scientists.
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4 comments:
Perhaps we could clone him while we're at it.
Digging up astronomers seems to be in fashion. Scientists claimed to have identified Copernicus' remains from a DNA sample last November.
I bet they'll never be granted permission to do this. It doesn't seem right to dig somebody up for what seems to be a very minor scientific endeavour. Poor old Galileo.
Yes they haven't got approval from the Florentine authorities yet, but I suppose all this publicity can't hurt. Apparently he had a mysterious young woman buried alongside him, so they plan to look into that mystery too!
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