Kiwi Scientists Search for Merrick’s Ma
Joseph Merrick (the Elephant Man) is still drawing crowds. This time round, Merrick’s deformities are attracting genealogists and scientists, rather than circus-goers. A team of NZ researchers wants to find living descendents of Merrick and take samples of their DNA. It is then hoped that the cause of his disfigurement can be established using the latest genetic techniques.
