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music

·November 29, 2024·5 min read

Shared Genetics Link Musical Rhythm and Language Skills

A new study reveals shared genetic underpinnings between musical rhythm abilities and language-related traits, including dyslexia. Using data from over 1 million individuals, researchers identified 16 overlapping genome regions tied to rhythm and language, with key roles in brain connectivity.

This shows a woman relaxing with headphones on.

Featured Neuroscience Pain Psychology

·October 19, 2024·4 min read

Listening to Music After Surgery Lowers Pain and Anxiety

A new study suggests that listening to music after surgery can significantly reduce pain, anxiety, and even heart rate, aiding recovery. An analysis of 35 studies found that patients who listened to music reported lower pain levels and used less morphine on the first day post-surgery compared to those who didn’t.

This shows an older man with headphones, surrounded by musical notes.

Featured Neuroscience

·September 4, 2024·5 min read

Older Brains Work Harder to Remember Music

Older adults are just as capable as younger individuals of remembering familiar music, but their brains must work harder in certain areas. While memory-related brain regions are less active in older people, sensory-related areas become more engaged, compensating for reduced memory function.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·August 21, 2024·4 min read

Music Therapy Helps in Brain Rehabilitation

Music-based movement therapy, the Ronnie Gardiner Method, shows promise in aiding rehabilitation for stroke and other brain disorders, according to a review from researchers. This rhythmic and engaging approach, which involves coordinated movements and sounds, has been well-received by participants for its enjoyable and social nature. While the method’s potential benefits for stroke recovery are documented, further studies are needed to validate its effectiveness in other conditions. The Ronnie Gardiner Method may become a valuable addition to traditional neurological rehabilitation.

Auditory Neuroscience Featured Neuroscience

·August 16, 2024·5 min read

Pitch Perfect: Singing Earworms Reveals Surprising Trait

Researchers discovered that nearly 45% of people sing earworms in perfect pitch, suggesting a hidden "perfect pitch" ability in the general population. Even without formal musical training, participants accurately recalled the pitch of familiar songs, challenging common perceptions about musical abilities. This finding highlights the brain's remarkable capacity to store precise musical memories and suggests that many people may have untapped musical potential.

Auditory Neuroscience Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·August 9, 2024·3 min read

Classical Music Synchronizes Brain Waves, Improving Depression

Western classical music can significantly affect brain activity, particularly in people with treatment-resistant depression. By measuring brainwaves and neural imaging, scientists discovered that music synchronizes neural oscillations between brain regions associated with sensory and emotional processing, enhancing mood. This study suggests that personalized music therapy could be a powerful tool for treating depression, especially when integrated with other sensory stimuli.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·July 2, 2024·4 min read

How Music Synchronizes Heart Rates and Collective Emotions

Listening to music synchronizes heart rates within individuals more reliably than between different people. This synchronization depends on physiological responses rather than mood or music preferences. The findings help explain the collective emotional experiences of audiences and suggest ways to enhance theater performances. The research offers valuable clues for improving the performing arts.

Auditory Neuroscience Featured Neuroscience

·June 25, 2024·3 min read

How The Brain Predicts Music

A new study reveals how our brains recognize and predict musical sequences, activating areas related to sound, memory, and emotions. This understanding could help develop tools to detect cognitive decline and dementia. The study measured brainwaves of 83 participants, showing the complex neural processes involved in music perception. Future research will explore how these mechanisms change with age and cognitive impairments.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·June 11, 2024·4 min read

Social Connections Predict Song Hits, Boosting Accuracy by 50%

People's social networks significantly predict a song’s future popularity, increasing machine learning prediction accuracy by 50%. Analyzing data from last.fm, researchers found that friendships and listening habits are crucial in determining a song’s success.

Featured Neuroscience

·May 31, 2024·5 min read

Infants Hear More Speech Than Music At Home

A new study compared the amount of music and speech infants hear at home. Researchers found that infants are exposed to more speech than music, with the gap increasing as they grow.

Auditory Neuroscience Featured Neuroscience

·May 28, 2024·5 min read

How the Brain Distinguishes Music from Speech

A new study reveals how our brain distinguishes between music and speech using simple acoustic parameters. Researchers found that slower, steady sounds are perceived as music, while faster, irregular sounds are perceived as speech.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·May 26, 2024·7 min read

Nostalgic Music Affects the Brain and Memory

Nostalgic music activates brain areas linked to memory, reward, and self-processing. This discovery could help improve the quality of life for those with dementia.