Articles tagged with Music
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.
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 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.
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.
Researchers found that listening to self-selected motivational music improved interval running capacity and 5km time-trial performances in mentally fatigued fitness enthusiasts. The positive effects may be due to altered perception of effort when listening to tunes.
A team of neuroscientists discovered five key brain functions that enable social connection through music, including empathy circuits, oxytocin secretion, and dopamine release. Music can strengthen cohesion and mutual trust between people by signaling shared values.
The current research highlights the risk of noise-induced hearing loss among children and young adults due to prolonged exposure to high volumes from personal audio systems. The need for public health hearing conservation policies and education on safe volume levels is emphasized by experts.
Improv pedagogy enhances musical learning and social skills, fostering cooperation and uncertainty-faciling
A study from the University of Kansas found that the speech-to-song illusion occurs in adults 55 and older at similar rates as younger people, with no difference in perception or intensity. The findings suggest that older adults may not experience a decline in cognitive abilities related to this phenomenon.
Engineers at MIT have developed the first digital fiber that can store, analyze, and infer physical activity, revolutionizing textiles for performance monitoring, medical inference, and disease detection. The fiber is thin, flexible, and can be sewn into fabrics without breaking down, opening up new possibilities for fabrics.
A new study reveals that creating serendipity in the marketplace increases consumer satisfaction and enjoyment. Marketers can capitalize on this effect by providing positive, unexpected, and chance encounters, but educating consumers about products can eliminate the serendipity effect.
An analysis of nine studies found that active music-making can provide significant cognitive benefits to older adults with mild cognitive impairment or dementia. Music-based interventions have the potential to support millions of older adults in their emotional, social, and well-being needs.
A study by Tel-Aviv University found that 80-100% of participants could correctly identify each other based on a 3-song playlist, regardless of prior knowledge. This has significant implications for commercial companies' ability to infer user information.
Laura Miettinen's research highlights the importance of self-reflection and collective discussions in developing music teachers' intercultural competence. Her study recommends strengthening music teacher education programmes to foster critical thinking and collaboration among educators.
Listening to music before bed significantly improves sleep quality among older adults. Longer listening periods yield the most effective results. Music therapy is an easy-to-administer strategy that may become a first-line treatment option.
A new study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that listening to calming music at bedtime can help older adults sleep better. Calming music improves sleep quality more than rhythmic music, and longer exposure (more than four weeks) is associated with greater benefits.
A study by researchers from the Music Technology research group found that a widely used music recommendation algorithm is biased towards male artists, resulting in less exposure for female artists. The algorithm's ranking system perpetuates this bias, with female artist recommendations often appearing later in the list.
A study using non-invasive brain stimulation found that exciting the brain's reward circuit before listening to music increased pleasure, while inhibiting it decreased it. The researchers also discovered that synchronized activity between auditory and reward regions was linked to the pleasure experienced.
PhD candidate Rebecca Poulsen designed a speaker system to study brain networks and hearing in baby fish, finding they can hear high-frequency sounds. Whole-brain imaging revealed how larvae process different types of sounds, raising questions about their brain's interpretation.
A Universitat Oberta de Catalunya study analyzes 71 Billboard year-end charts from 1946 to 2016 to explore changes in conceptions of love. Metaphors represent over 70% of figurative language used to express feelings of romantic love in popular music.
Research finds musicians have stronger brain connections compared to non-musicians, with younger start dates showing more significant differences. Musicians with absolute pitch also exhibit enhanced auditory region activity and white matter connections.
A pooled data analysis of available evidence suggests that listening to music can reduce anxiety and pain after major heart surgery. The study found that the first postoperative music session was associated with significant reductions in anxiety (4 points) and pain (1.26 points).
Research supports early start to musical training, but underlying reasons are more complex. Familial influences, such as genetic factors and encouraging family environment, play a significant role.
A recent study by a researcher at the University of Kansas found statistically significant associations between music achievement and reading/math achievement in over 1,000 middle-school students. The findings suggest that there may be general learning processes underlying all academic achievement, regardless of the subject.
Researchers used EEG to study how music affects the brain's reward system, finding increased activity in regions involved in emotional processing, movement control, and auditory processing. Chills induced by favorite songs release dopamine, triggering a physiological response that indicates greater cortical connectivity.
Researchers are testing a digital therapeutic device that uses music and sensors to help individuals recover from stroke-induced mobility loss. The study aims to improve walking speed and community ambulation in participants, offering new hope for those affected by stroke.
A study by McGill University researchers has identified neural markers related to beat synchronization in musicians' brains, revealing that it takes more than just moving or listening well to keep the beat. The findings suggest that practice can improve one's ability to synchronize and that around 2-3% of the population are 'beat deaf',
Researchers created a musical ensemble of violinists to study human network dynamics. They found that humans can change their inner structure to reach better solutions, exhibiting unique characteristics like flexibility and filtering inputs.
Researchers at the Institute for Basic Science found that audible sound can control chemical reactions in solution by supplying energy sources into the air-liquid interface. The study created aesthetically pleasing patterns on the surface and bulk of the solution, exhibiting life-like behavior in synthetic molecules.