Articles tagged with Music
Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a gene switch that uses sound waves to trigger insulin release in designer cells. The system works by embedding an ion channel protein from the bacterium E. coli into human cells, which opens in response to sound, causing insulin vesicles to fuse and release insulin.
Research from Bar-Ilan University reveals a link between music collection and improved listening experience, suggesting that users can enhance their enjoyment by actively curating their playlists within streaming apps. The studies also found that the act of collecting music is pleasant and can elevate listening levels.
Scientists successfully reconstructed recognizable versions of Pink Floyd's 'Another Brick in the Wall, Part 1' using nonlinear modeling to decode brain activity. The study identified a unique region in the Superior Temporal Gyrus (STG) responsible for rhythm perception, with electrodes from this region crucial for accurate reconstruct...
Researchers at University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center implemented a quality improvement initiative to improve documentation consistency and increase the capture of patient-reported outcomes. The findings show that music therapists' rates of capturing PROs increased significantly, with notable improvements in stress, pain, anxiet...
A Northwestern University-led team developed the first 3D simulations of energy rippling from a massive star's core to its outer surface. The researchers determined how much stars should innately twinkle and converted these waves into sound waves, allowing listeners to hear both what the insides of stars and their twinkling sound like.
A new study from University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center describes the scope and integration of their music therapy program within10 UH medical centers. The study examined 14,261 music therapy sessions provided to 7,378 unique patients who had been referred by 1,169 healthcare professionals.
A study found that babies watching live music had higher heart rates and were more engaged than those watching recordings, even with identical audio. The researchers tracked the babies' responses using heart monitors and tablets, and noted that the live performance captured their attention for 72% of the show.
Children do better at maths when music is integrated into lessons, with integrated lessons having the biggest effect on improving scores. Music helps more with learning arithmetic and has a bigger impact on younger pupils.
Researchers applied machine learning to brain responses and achieved near-perfect classification accuracy for songs that may become hits. The approach, called 'neuroforecasting,' uses data from a small group of people to predict population-level effects without needing to measure the brain activity of hundreds of people.
A recent study suggests that songs with high energy and positive emotions are more likely to match prevailing weather conditions, influencing listener preferences. The research found a strong association between energetic and positive music and warm and sunny weather, but only for popular songs.
Researchers surveyed over 2,000 people on their musical taste, revealing distinct sub-genre preferences within popular genres like rock, pop, and metal. The study identified three taste classes that preferred different levels of complexity in music, with age and personality traits influencing individual preferences.
A pilot study at the University of Eastern Finland found that background music reduced dental students' stress levels and improved their performance during preclinical tooth preparation exercises. The music also increased motivation to learn and practice, while enhancing communication and quality of cavity preparation.
Acoustic artist Colin Malloy transforms ocean data into captivating percussion songs, raising awareness about the impact of oil production on oceans. His music aims to encourage listeners to reflect on the issues surrounding oceans, leveraging the power of art to digest information on an emotional level.
Researchers have found that hearing aid users are dissatisfied with the sound quality of music when using their hearing aids. However, some manufacturers' music programs have improved significantly. The team tested 200 recordings and found that two brands stood out in terms of music quality.
A new pilot study suggests rhythmic auditory stimulation can improve walking speed and quality of movement in children with severe acquired brain injuries. The technique, tested for the first time in this population, has been shown to facilitate smoother and more coordinated walking patterns.
A new study found that music therapy significantly reduced pain, stress, and anxiety in patients with moderate-to-severe symptoms at community hospitals. The study, published in Pain Reports, suggests that music therapy can be effective for acute pain management across various adult populations.
A global study found that tonal language speakers are better able to discern between subtly different melodies, while non-tonal speakers are better able to tell whether a rhythm is beating in time with the music. Tonal speakers actually perform worse on rhythm perception tasks.
An analysis of popular song recordings from 1946 to 2020 found a significant decrease in the lead vocal to accompaniment ratio, indicating that lead singers are getting quieter. Changes in music technology appear to be behind this trend until 1975.
Researchers debunk rock'n'roll myth, finding narcotics have no effect on inspiration. Instead, complex training programs, meditation, and cultural exposure boost creativity. Training that highlights mental techniques has long-term impacts, while mindfulness activities like meditation also improve imagination in the short term.
A researcher has converted elements' visible light into audio, creating complex sounds for each one. The project aims to create an interactive musical periodic table with potential value as an alternative teaching method in chemistry classrooms.
A pilot study found that patients who listened to their favorite music experienced reduced nausea severity and distress. Music was believed to affect serotonin levels, a neurotransmitter associated with chemotherapy-induced nausea, in a way that could complement medication.
A new study by University of Vienna psychologists debunked the Mozart effect myth, finding no reliable evidence for symptom relief in epilepsy patients. The researchers attribute this alleged effect to selective reporting, small sample sizes, and inadequate research practices.
A new spider genus, Abba transversa, has been discovered in Australia, featuring distinctive dark spots and thick macrosetae on the legs. The genus was named after the Swedish pop group ABBA and is the result of a comprehensive study of orb-weaving spiders.
Researchers propose using brain scans to measure similarity in trademark cases, reducing inconsistencies and bias. This approach provides a reliable method for determining similarity without relying on subjective surveys or expert opinions.
A study by Yuan Shi found that changes in Billboard magazine's chart rankings, taking into account consumer voice, resulted in a surge of crossover music. Country artists like Taylor Swift and Maren Morris successfully blended genres, leveraging consumer power to achieve mainstream success.
A recent study of 711 adults found that listening to music significantly reduced stress levels and improved mood during the COVID-19 lockdown. The research suggests that music listening was particularly beneficial for individuals with elevated chronic stress during the pandemic, providing a mental health coping mechanism.
A recent study at the University of Helsinki found that singing-based group rehabilitation can increase communication and speech production in stroke survivors, while also reducing social isolation. The study's results suggest that this type of rehabilitation could be a valuable addition to existing aphasia treatment protocols.
A new study found that music therapy resulted in clinically significant reductions in pain and anxiety for patients with cancer and sickle cell disease. Patients with SCD who received music therapy also reported significantly higher pain and anxiety at baseline compared to those without SCD.
Researchers aim to understand songwriting teams' dynamics, collaboration, and diversity. The study explores how songwriting camps in UK and Germany work, with a focus on creative, legal, financial, and collaborative levels.
Researchers have developed a text-to-audio model that can generate coherent and relevant music and sound from text, opening up new avenues for creative application and exploration. The model employed data compression methods to improve output quality and reduce training time.
Blackbird Studio C's ambient-anechoic portmanteau, ambichoic, reduces sound reflections, creating a balanced and immersive space for musicians and engineers. The studio's unique design utilizes primitive root diffusers to diffuse sound energy, resulting in a comfortable and engaging environment.
A new app uses customized playlists to console, relax, and uplift users, aiming to improve emotional states. The app's creators found that relaxing and uplifting methods can significantly move listeners from negative to more positive emotional states.
A study by Aarhus University researchers found that expert jazz musicians store linked audio and motor representations in the brain, which are drawn upon to create improvisations. These improvisation vocabularies vary between players and exhibit stylistically appropriate and novel characteristics, hallmarks of creativity.
A pooled data analysis estimates that 24% of teens and young people engage in unsafe listening practices from personal listening devices and 48% attend loud music venues. This translates to a potential risk of hearing loss for 0.67-1.35 billion young people worldwide.
Researchers from Aarhus University found that seal pups can distinguish and react differently to various rhythms. This study provides a significant step forward in understanding human musicality and language development.
Researchers at the University of Tokyo found that rats can move their heads in time to music, demonstrating innate beat synchronization. The optimal tempo for nodding along depends on the brain's time constant, similar across species, suggesting a widespread ability among animals to interact with music.
A new study found that people's favourite songs about relationships reflect their attachment style, with anxious themes dominating. On the other hand, secure and avoidant styles are represented in lyrics, indicating a strong connection between music and relationship experiences.
A study published in Current Biology found that undetectable very low frequency sound increases dancing at a live concert, with participants moving 12% more when the speakers were on. The researchers speculate that this is due to physical processes affecting the motor system and brain mechanisms involved.
Research from Portland State University suggests that taking music courses in higher- or mid-income schools leads to better math scores. The study found a positive relationship between arts course-taking and math achievement, but only among socio-economically privileged students.
Researchers found that harbour seals can discriminate between regular and irregular rhythmic patterns, as well as fast and slow tempos. This ability suggests that seals possess a sense of rhythm, which may be linked to their vocal learning capabilities.
A new study from the University of Kansas found that people tend to have more memories associated with older songs and movie clips, which are often happier and more positive. The researchers discovered that these nostalgic experiences can lead to appreciation for lighthearted entertainment, such as pop music or superhero movies.
Researchers have uncovered the neural mechanisms behind sound perception, finding that the brain predicts expected sounds and responds to unexpected ones. The study provides insights into how the healthy brain learns complex skills and may offer clues for understanding neural disorders like schizophrenia.
Researchers found that patients awaiting surgery experienced decreased pain and improved relaxation when given a music pillow to listen to during their wait. The study, which included over 30 participants, demonstrated a positive association between music and reduced anxiety in emergency department patients.
A new study is providing training to mothers of infants at the Linda Ray Intervention Center, equipping them with a critical caregiving skill. The program focuses on infant-directed singing, which has been shown to help babies regulate their emotions and develop self-regulation skills.
A new study found that people who were given the impression of control over music experienced greater pain relief. Those who actively engage with music in their daily life showed even greater benefits. Music complexity was not linked to pain relief, but feeling in control was key.
A study of remote Papua New Guinea communities suggests that major chords and melodies do not universally elicit a happier response, contradicting long-held assumptions. The findings highlight the cultural variability in emotional responses to music.
Research finds that up-tempo major mode music can increase purchase intentions for green products, bridging the gap between consumers' words and deeds. Major mode music is effective in reducing the attitude-behaviour gap by 40-50%, regardless of consumer background or product type.
A new study found that children who participate in extra-curricular activities experience heightened wellbeing, while those glued to screens show lower levels of happiness and health. The research highlights the importance of encouraging children to engage in physical activities beyond screens.
Scientists have discovered a significant genetic link to humans' ability to move in sync with music. The study identified 69 genetic variants related to beat synchronization and found connections between rhythm and health, while acknowledging that environment also plays a crucial role.
Researchers found that care coordinators identifying illnesses early and providing timely care allowed most residents to 'age in place,' reducing need for nursing home care. Exercise and socialization opportunities also improved physical and mental health outcomes.
Researchers found that listening to groove music enhances executive function and activity in the brain's prefrontal cortex in familiarized participants. The study used functional near-infrared spectroscopy to measure changes in cognitive function before and after listening to music.
Researchers analyze viral video of musicians covering Michael Jackson song to understand how it alleviated collective grief during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study identifies key traits that allow empathy and resilience in the face of trauma, highlighting the value of music as a non-pharmacological strategy.
New research reveals that infants as young as 4 months can differentiate between speech and song based on acoustic features such as pitch and rhythm. The study also found that exaggerated pitch is related to better neural tracking of infant-directed speech.
A study by Cornell University researchers found that live music platforms face difficulties in valuing intangible qualities, managing complex tasks, and achieving economies of scale. This is due to the industry's fragmented nature, with different types of gigs requiring unique expectations from clients.
Researchers at Virginia Tech discovered 17 new species of twisted-claw millipedes, including Nannaria swiftae, named after singer-songwriter Taylor Swift. The millipedes play a valuable role in decomposing leaf litter and have unique characteristics such as shiny caramel-brown bodies with white spots.
A study found that listeners in Arkansas and Michigan imagined similar stories, while those in China envisioned unique narratives. The results suggest that music can generate shared experiences despite cultural differences.
Researchers at Aarhus University review 20 years of music and brain research, revealing music's unique property of using expectations to influence behavior and emotions. The study explores how music activates the brain's reward system through dopamine release and explains music processing mechanisms.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of 26 studies found music interventions to be associated with clinically meaningful improvements in health-related quality of life. The study suggests that music-making and listening may have a positive impact on overall well-being, particularly for individuals with health conditions.
Teenagers involved in arts activities are less likely to engage in antisocial behaviour up to two years later. They also exhibit better self-control scores and view antisocial behaviour negatively.
The study found that music labels with broader experience were able to respond better to the emerging demand for novelty and genre variety. This led to significant changes in strategy among music labels, resulting in improved performance and revenue growth after the inclusion of streaming on Billboard's charts.