Leonardo da Vinci's wood charring method predates the Japanese practice of Yakisugi. Research published in Zenodo reveals this surprising discovery. The Renaissance polymath documented the protective benefits of charred wood over a century before Yakisugi techniques were codified in Japan.

Yakisugi, a Japanese architectural technique, involves charring wood to protect it from the elements. This method gained popularity in bioarchitecture for its protective qualities. Written records of Yakisugi date back to the 17th and 18th centuries. Leonardo's notes, however, suggest he understood the benefits of charring wood much earlier.

This finding challenges the established timeline of wood preservation techniques. It highlights Leonardo's forward-thinking approach to materials science. The discovery underscores the importance of studying historical documents for technological insights.

Leonardo da Vinci was a prolific inventor and scientist. His notebooks contain designs for various inventions, including flying machines and advanced weaponry. Only a fraction of his 13,000 pages of notes have survived.

Further research will focus on analyzing Leonardo's notes. Scientists aim to understand the full extent of his knowledge of wood charring. This could lead to new innovations in sustainable building practices.