Story perspectives

Genetics Influence Chills from Art and Music, Study Reveals

2/25/2026

Summary

Story summary

Giacomo Bignardi of the Max Planck Institute led a study showing genetic factors influence chills from art and music.
The study analyzed families in the northern Netherlands and found about 30% of variation tied to shared DNA.
Some genetic influences are common across art forms and others are form-specific.
Genetics along with personal experiences shape emotional responses to art.
Future work will identify specific genetic markers and broaden demographic diversity.

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Story summary

Giacomo Bignardi of the Max Planck Institute led a study showing genetic factors influence chills from art and music.
The study analyzed families in the northern Netherlands and found about 30% of variation tied to shared DNA.
Some genetic influences are common across art forms and others are form-specific.
Genetics along with personal experiences shape emotional responses to art.
Future work will identify specific genetic markers and broaden demographic diversity.