Mystery solved: the identification of the two missing Romanov children using DNA analysis.

Michael D Coble, Odile M Loreille, Mark J Wadhams, Suni M Edson, Kerry Maynard, Carna E Meyer, Harald Niederstätter, Cordula Berger, Burkhard Berger, Anthony B Falsetti, Peter Gill, Walther Parson, Louis N Finelli

July 2009 PLoS One

Synopsis of Social media discussions

The overall tone is one of acknowledgment and interest, with examples like mentions of different beliefs about the remains ('The Russians believe it was Maria, the Americans think Anastasia') and appreciation of the DNA evidence. The words used convey respect for the scientific proof while also noting ongoing debates, reflecting a balanced but engaged perspective.

A
Agreement
 Moderate agreement

Most discussions accept the DNA findings as definitive proof of the Romanov children's identities, indicating general alignment with the article's conclusions.

I
Interest
 High level of interest

There is high curiosity and interest, as reflected in references to multiple theories and the significance of the discovery.

E
Engagement
 Moderate level of engagement

Posts show some critical engagement, mentioning varying opinions and the scientific process, though not deeply analyzing the methodology.

I
Impact
 Moderate level of impact

The discussions recognize the discovery's historical importance, but many posts are more reactionary than transformative, resulting in a moderate impact score.

Social Mentions

YouTube

2 Videos

Facebook

8 Posts

Twitter

8 Posts

Blogs

2 Articles

News

17 Articles

Reddit

3 Posts

Metrics

Video Views

9,584

Total Likes

554

Extended Reach

14,644

Social Features

40

Timeline: Posts about article

Top Social Media Posts

Posts referencing the article

How Archaeology Confirmed the Fate of the Romanov Children

How Archaeology Confirmed the Fate of the Romanov Children

The fate of the Romanov family during the Russian Revolution was long a mystery. Thanks to archaeological discoveries and forensic DNA analysis, the remains of Tsarevich Alexei and a sister were identified, conclusively solving one of history's most famous cold cases.

Dig It With Raven

April 14, 2025

9,500 views

DNA Analysis Reveals Identity of Missing Romanov Children

DNA Analysis Reveals Identity of Missing Romanov Children

The Romanov family, executed in 1918, left behind unresolved questions about their remains. In 2007, forensic DNA testing confirmed the identities of the missing children, Tsarevich Alexei and a sister, solving the mystery using mitochondrial DNA and STR analysis.

Frankapt

September 7, 2025

84 views

  • Queen Torina of Alaska
    @torialxlyn (Twitter)

    Mystery Solved: The Identification of the Two Missing Romanov Children Using DNA Analysis - PMC https://t.co/POOwwOQkbQ
    view full post

    July 5, 2024

  • Lynda Prince MD
    @allaroundanne (Twitter)

    @CptMorgan117 @DavidaCamQraniQ @Thekeksociety Well the Russians believe it was Maria, the Americans think Anastasia- apparently DNA analysis only tells that it was a daughter. https://t.co/qtb33SeLRD
    view full post

    June 6, 2024

  • Jan Štýs
    @StysJan (Twitter)

    @martin_anty @PavelFiala19 @DrabovaDana Vědci z Institutu Maxe Plancka totožnost zavražděných členů carské rodiny naopak potvrdili. Opravdu s těmi historickými událostmi nakládáte naprosto volně, ale to už tak prokremelské filcky mají ve zvyku. https://t.co/owsx3OnYQ3
    view full post

    July 28, 2023

  • Raquel Pascual Antón
    @pasanton (Twitter)

    Para saber más: https://t.co/tmhNUUAecq
    view full post

    April 9, 2021

  • Irene
    @IreneC_Bgv (Twitter)

    Mystery Solved: The Identification of the Two Missing Romanov Children Using DNA Analysis #genetics #DNA #forensics #anthropology https://t.co/royYR6fAVQ
    view full post

    January 21, 2021

    1

  • Tamara Alexis Updates
    @TamaraAlexis (Twitter)

    PLOS ONE: Author Info - The Hollywood WHO done it -Roman Off berring straight incompletions to Helen Bach and the three mouse Skit tears crying games -truth floats on a family tree pierre leap years Austria’s styrian vampires - Spielberg https://t.co/b33YMlqxLQ
    view full post

    August 24, 2020

  • Tamara Alexis Updates
    @TamaraAlexis (Twitter)

    Mystery Solved: The Identification of the Two Missing Romanov Children Using DNA Analysis - Funding: This study was funded by the U.S. Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory and the Innsbruck Medical University, Innsbruck, Austria. https://t.co/ruPjvkyUi7
    view full post

    August 24, 2020

  • Kaoz in the Dystopian Capitalism
    @kaoz_frikiflics (Twitter)

    @Ranito21 https://t.co/IP4asqFdXW
    view full post

    July 4, 2019

Abstract Synopsis

  • The Romanov family, the last Russian monarchy, was executed in 1918, and their remains were buried in mass graves, with doubts lingering about whether all the remains truly belonged to them.
  • In 2007, amateur archeologists found additional remains near the original graves, and forensic DNA testing confirmed that these belonged to the missing Romanov children, Tsarevich Alexei and one of his sisters.
  • The DNA analyses, including mitochondrial DNA and STR testing, provided strong evidence that resolved the mystery of the fate of the Romanov children, confirming their identities beyond doubt.