Through the analysis of ancient DNA, scientists will take viewers along on their journey to uncover the truth behind the legend in THE CURSE OF THE ELEPHANT MAN, premiering Wednesday, July 30 at 9 PM ET.

For the first time ever, scientists were incredibly successful in extracting DNA from Joseph Merrick's century-old hair and bone in their investigation of his condition. In addition, descendants of the Elephant Man's family, many who didn't even know they were related to him, were reunited.

While it was considered that Merrick may have suffered from either type 1 neurofibromatosis (NF 1) or Proteus Syndrome, the DNA evidence did not conclusively prove that Merrick had either on its own or the two together. Based on published clinical features, cancer geneticists and other clinical geneticists believe that Merrick had at least Proteus syndrome. Moreover, because NF 1 is more common, some in the program suggest another intriguing possibility - that the Elephant Man was tragically cursed with both debilitating diseases. The program gives viewers a sensitive and poignant inside look at these diseases and offers a strand of hope for people today who suffer from similar deformities and debilitations.

Most interestingly, THE CURSE OF THE ELEPHANT MAN will reveal images of what Merrick would have looked like had he not been burdened by his deformities. These images were developed with the use of relatives' facial templates and high-quality imaging equipment.

THE CURSE OF THE ELEPHANT MAN recounts the terrible true story of history's most deformed man. It shows viewers how his genetic material was gathered and identified and helps them better understand why Merrick became know
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Contact: Tahli Kouperstein
tahli_kouperstein@discovery.com
240-662-2221
Discovery Health Channel
21-Jul-2003