Harry Potter Provides Window into the DNA of Behavioral Genetics

[Frank W. Baker]

Harry Potter, the hero of J. K. Rowling's seven fantasy novels, is a chip off the old wizarding block when it comes to quidditch, the fictional sport played by rival houses at Hogwarts, the school for wizards and witches. Like his father before him, Harry is a master of the game. Perhaps his skill is in his DNA.  

The question of how genetics help shape the shared behavior pattern between a parent and a child, such as the athleticism between orphaned Harry and his father, James, is one of the topics Lei Yu, professor of genetics in the School of Arts and Sciences, discusses with the 20 students enrolled this semester in his 10-week Byrne Seminar, "Harry Potter and Behavioral Genetics."

Details in this news story.