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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A new study found that music and auditory beat stimulation can significantly reduce state anxiety in people with moderate trait anxiety. The treatment was more effective than music alone or pink noise for reducing somatic anxiety, while music alone was more effective for reducing cognitive state anxiety.
SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 9, 2022
A study explores why people dislike certain music, identifying five main reference points: music composition, lyrics, performance, artist, and social environment. Musical dislikes serve similar functions as preferences but are expressed less openly, fulfilling roles such as maintaining mood or expressing identity.
Researchers discovered a population of neurons in the auditory cortex that responds specifically to singing, but not speech or instrumental music. The study uses electrocorticography (ECoG) recordings to gain higher-resolution data, revealing fine-grained segregation of function within the auditory cortex.
A new study found that music therapy sessions improved patients' ability to manage chronic pain and enhance their quality of life. The intervention, which included music-based breathing exercises and progressive muscle relaxation, was feasible, acceptable, and beneficial among adults with Sickle Cell Disease.
A study found that self-motivated musicians were more resilient to pandemic threats and maintained their practicing routines, while externally motivated musicians experienced a reduction in dedicated practice time. The research suggests that professional support can help musicians develop coping strategies and redirect focus towards in...
Researchers created an interactive computer interface called EmoteControl, which allows users to control six cues of a musical piece in real time. Participants conveyed specific emotions through changing these cues, with tempo and mode being the most influential cues.
A new study suggests that music therapy can significantly decrease depression scores and help reduce menopause symptoms in postmenopausal women. This innovative approach has the potential to be used as a nonpharmacologic therapeutic option for managing menopause symptoms, particularly mood symptoms.
A quantitative meta-analysis found that teaching with English songs enhances L2 vocabulary learning in second and foreign language classrooms. Songs from the pop music genre were more effective than textbook songs, while duration of instruction was crucial.
A recent study found that consuming traditional forms of media, such as books and music, has negligible effect on anxiety and happiness levels in adults. However, engaging with newer types of media, like social media and video games, was linked to lower happiness and higher anxiety levels.
A study by the University of Tokyo reveals that musical training can activate areas of the brain associated with language processing, regardless of experience level. This connection may explain why people enjoy music even if they're not musically inclined.
A Northwestern University study found that live personalized music therapy improved patients' emotional states, reduced their stress and anxiety, and provided a pleasurable experience. The 'tele-music' intervention also empowered patients and their families, easing medical procedures and increasing patient satisfaction.
Masks designed for singers block aerosols, diluting virus-causing particles, while affecting high frequencies. Singer's masks reduced high-frequency power by less than two times, improving enunciation.
Researchers at the University of Toronto have demonstrated that listening to personally meaningful music induces beneficial brain plasticity in patients with mild cognitive impairment or early Alzheimer's disease. The study showed changes in neural pathways correlated with increased memory performance on neuropsychological tests, suppo...
The study investigates popular music's influence on everyday life and its embedding in cinema, tracing the lives of musicians like Franz Grothe under Nazi rule. It also explores the evolution of marching rhythms and swing elements in German popular music during this period.
Researchers at McMaster University have found a simple tweak in medical device tones can significantly lower annoyance caused by alarms. The study suggests changing the amplitude envelope of existing sounds to make them sound more musical, without harming efficacy or affecting patient recovery.
New research from WVU suggests that live music can reduce pain and anxiety in pediatric critical-care patients. In a study, babies who heard live music had lower heart rates and slower breathing rates compared to those who listened to recorded music.
Researchers found that independent-label music and female artists benefit from appearances on Spotify's curated ranked list, which promotes underdog artists. However, the study's findings only apply to New Music Friday playlists and do not address broader industry challenges.
Researchers found that psilocybin increased the emotional response to music by around 60% compared to ketanserin. The study implies that music should be an active component of psilocybin therapy for treating depression and other mental health conditions.
By analyzing pitch, length, octaves, chords, dynamics, and main theme of four pieces from the mid-1800s Romantic era of classical music, researchers created protein songs with improved musicality. The study found that using a specific music style guided the structure of proteins to produce more pleasant melodies and harmonies.
Researchers found that listening to Mozart's Sonata for Two Pianos in D Major (K448) for at least 30 seconds was associated with a significant reduction in epilepsy-associated electrical activity spikes. The study suggests that the therapeutic effects may be linked to positive emotional responses triggered by the music.
Researchers found that dance impacts health in key areas, including sense of identity, belonging, and self-worth. They call for more collaboration with dancers and co-research with participants to better capture the benefits of dance on its own terms.
Researchers investigated aerosol production from singing and playing wind instruments to develop recommendations for minimizing COVID transmission. They found that placing a surgical mask reduced plume velocities and lengths, decreasing aerosol concentrations.
Scientists at Anglia Ruskin University have created a new way to experience Yellowstone's geysers through classical music. By sonifying the physical characteristics of the geothermal landscape, they've turned vibrations into melodies, harmonies, and rhythms. The result is an evolving musical representation of the earth, water, and steam.
Researchers found that masks, social distancing, and ventilation significantly reduce the risk of musical COVID-19 transmission. Simple safety measures, such as wearing masks, limiting performance time to under 30 minutes, and maintaining distance between players, can mitigate this risk.
Researchers found that listeners use uncertainty to determine where a musical phrase ends. The study suggests the brain anticipates what comes next in a melody based on past experiences. This discovery sheds light on how humans acquire knowledge and parse complex input into manageable segments.
A new study comparing pitch and duration imitations in speech and song has found that autistic individuals perform differently in two categories: relative pitch and absolute pitch. Autistic children and adults showed better performance with relative pitch, while struggling with absolute pitch across both domains.
A global study found that people use music as a coping mechanism for emotional and social stress, with music listening helping to regulate depression and fear. Music making also provides a sense of community and self-reflection, while 'coronamusic' reveals the power of collective creative responses during times of crisis.
A study analyzing online music streaming data for top songs in 60 countries found that COVID-19 lockdowns led to a significant decline in music consumption, with reductions in commuting time correlating strongly with the shrinkage. Consumption via video platforms saw an unprecedented surge during this period.
Researchers used EEG to measure brain activity while musicians listened to or imagined Bach piano melodies. Brain activity during imagined music had the opposite polarity of actual listening, indicating prediction-driven responses. The study found that the brain continues to respond to music even when none is playing.
Researchers outline a four-stage process to facilitate pleasurable social atmospheres, including preparation, activation, unification, and memory storage. The study highlights the importance of cooperation between firms and consumers in creating successful social atmospheres.
Research reveals that even professional female sopranos tend to be inaccurate in self-assessing their own singing abilities. However, those with higher singing competence are better at evaluating themselves. The study's findings suggest that self-evaluation plays a crucial role in developing exceptional musical skills.
A new study shows participating in weekly dance training with music can improve daily living and motor function for those with mild-to-moderate Parkinson's disease. The research found significant improvements in experiences of daily living, including cognitive impairment, hallucinations, depression, and anxious mood.
A virtual reality study found that slow music played as background throughout the tunnel reduces drivers' nervousness and fatigue, while sirens are most effective when played at entry points and during emergencies. The combination of slow music with occasional sirens is proposed as a best solution to improve road safety.
A new RMIT University study found that buskers who use digital platforms like apps, QR codes, PayPal, and Bitcoin receive more donations than those using loose coins. The study analyzed over 3,500 active buskers from 121 countries and found that North America and Europe had the most active buskers.
Researchers at UPF BMAT and Music Technology Group develop AI algorithm to determine audible music on TV productions, helping distribute copyright fairly and efficiently. The LoudSense project aims to provide an innovative service to the international music industry.