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.
SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 3, 2022
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.
SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalEuropean Journal of Marketing·TypeObservational study·DateJun 29, 2022
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.
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.
SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalBMC Pediatrics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 20, 2022
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.
SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalNature Human Behaviour·DateJun 17, 2022
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.
SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalGeriatric Nursing·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 27, 2022
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.
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.
SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 27, 2022
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.
SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalBehavioral Sciences·TypeCase study·DateMay 19, 2022
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.
SourceCornell University·JournalNew Technology Work and Employment·DateApr 22, 2022
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.
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.
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.
SourcePrinceton University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 13, 2022
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.
SourceAarhus University·JournalNature Reviews Neuroscience·TypeMeta-analysis·DateApr 5, 2022
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.
SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateMar 22, 2022
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.
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.
SourceUniversity College London·JournalJournal of Youth and Adolescence·TypeObservational study·DateMar 22, 2022
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.
SourceBocconi University·JournalStrategic Management Journal·DateMar 21, 2022
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
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.
SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalCurrent Biology·DateFeb 22, 2022
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.
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.
SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 22, 2022
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.
SourceUniversity Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center·JournalJournal of Pain Research·DateFeb 16, 2022
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...
SourceUniversity of the Arts Helsinki·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 7, 2022
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.
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.
SourceDurham University·JournalMusic & Science·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 1, 2022
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.
SourceThe Menopause Society·JournalMenopause·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 26, 2022
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.
SourcePusan National University·JournalLanguage Culture and Curriculum·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJan 25, 2022
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.
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.
SourceScientific Reports·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 6, 2022
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.
SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalCerebral Cortex·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 22, 2021
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.
SourceNorthwestern University·JournalFrontiers in Neurology·TypeObservational study·DateDec 13, 2021
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...
SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalJournal of Alzheimer’s Disease·TypeImaging analysis·DateNov 9, 2021
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.
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.
SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·DateOct 26, 2021
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.
SourceWest Virginia University·JournalAmerican Journal of Critical Care·DateOct 14, 2021
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.
SourceMcMaster University·JournalApplied Ergonomics·TypeObservational study·DateOct 14, 2021
GoPro HERO13 Black
GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.
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.
SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalInternational Journal of Industrial Organization·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 5, 2021
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.
SourceEuropean College of Neuropsychopharmacology·DateOct 4, 2021
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.
SourceCell Press·JournalHeliyon·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 29, 2021
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.
SourceScientific Reports·JournalScientific Reports·DateSep 16, 2021
Meta Quest 3 512GB
Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.
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.
SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Environmental Au·DateSep 15, 2021
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.
SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalInternational Journal of Qualitative Studies on Health and Well-Being·TypeLiterature review·DateSep 15, 2021
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.
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.
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.
SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalACS Environmental Au·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 27, 2021
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.
SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 19, 2021
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.
SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalAutism Research·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 9, 2021
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.
SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalHumanities and Social Sciences Communications·DateAug 8, 2021
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.
SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalMarketing Science·DateAug 3, 2021
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.
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.
SourceSociety for Neuroscience·JournalJNeurosci·DateAug 2, 2021
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.
SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateJul 13, 2021
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.
SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalJournal of Voice·DateJul 9, 2021
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.
SourceYork University·JournalBrain Sciences·DateJul 7, 2021
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.
SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateJul 7, 2021
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.
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.
SourceRMIT University·JournalJournal of Cultural Economics·DateJul 1, 2021
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.
SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalJournal of Human Sport and Exercise·DateJun 22, 2021
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.
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.
SourceBar-Ilan University·JournalAmerican Psychologist·DateJun 10, 2021
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.
SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 3, 2021
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.
SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 3, 2021
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.
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.
SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateMay 25, 2021
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.
SourceWiley·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateMay 19, 2021
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.
SourceTel-Aviv University·JournalTelematics and Informatics·DateApr 28, 2021