Scientists "growing Beethoven's ear" on mouse

A new scientific study has reportedly managed to grow an ear on the back of a mouse that has what is believed to be the same DNA as Ludwig Van Beethoven.

The study, which is now entering its seventh year at the Universität Bonn, has succeed in growing what scientists claim is a human ear made from DNA taken from a lock of Beethoven's hair, which is still kept in the Center for Beethoven Studies at San Jose State University.

Dr. Klaus Bunt told the Journal of Experimental Biology: "This really is a breakthrough. Growing an ear on a mouse is not considered remarkable these days, but to have grown one with the specific DNA of a notable public figure like Ludwig Van Beethoven… is a tremendous milestone."

Asked how he could be sure that it was indeed DNA from the late composer, Dr. Bunt commented: "Of course there will be controversy about this. But this has come directly from the hairs kept in the San Jose museum and we have taken every care to slowly and correctly grow this ear."

He added: "Please do not ask me if it can hear anything. I don't want to comment on that."

According to the report that accompanies the experiment, at this stage there is little chance that any further cells from the original lock of hair could be used to make any other human tissue.

The news comes months after another experiment used the music of Beethoven to test a bionic ear.