Fill My Wine Glass-- Unleaded, Please

A newly-released study stemming from high-tech examination of bones and hair reveals that Ludwig van Beethoven likely died of lead poisoning. One of the possible sources of the lead? His "liberal indulgence in wine consumed from lead cups." Hmmmm . . . note to self: hold off on asking for those antique lead-lined wine glasses for Christmas.

On the bright side, it looks as though Beethoven may have been cleared of the charge that he had syphilis, because there was no trace of mercury found in his remains and syphilis was commonly treated with mercury.