Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Our brains appear uniquely tuned for musical pitch

A study using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) revealed that humans are more sensitive to pitch than macaque monkeys. The human brain's auditory cortex is more responsive when comparing tonal sounds to equivalent noisy sounds, suggesting that speech and music may have shaped the basic organization of the human brain.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateJun 10, 2019
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.

How music affects preterm infants

Research using functional MRI found that music-based care plans enhanced brain circuit connectivity in preterm infants. This suggests music may improve future socio-cognitive function and prevent brain deficits.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 27, 2019

Mathematical framework explores how the brain keeps a beat

A new model demonstrates how a network of neurons can act as a 'neuronal metronome' by accurately estimating time intervals between beats within tens of millisecond accuracy. This framework relies on rhythmic brain activity patterns known as gamma oscillations to keep track of time.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateMay 9, 2019
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.

Trained musicians perform better -- at paying attention

A study published in Heliyon found that trained musicians exhibit greater executive control of attention than non-musicians, with improved performance linked to increased years of training. This suggests that musical training can enhance cognitive abilities beyond music-specific skills.

SourceElsevier·JournalHeliyon·DateMar 26, 2019

Daylight savings sees 'sleepy consumers' with a wider variety in their shopping carts

A recent study from the UBC Sauder School of Business found that sleepier consumers tend to buy more diverse types of products to help them stay awake. The study reveals that even after controlling for other factors, sleep-deprived individuals exhibit a greater desire for variety in their shopping choices.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia - Sauder School of Business·JournalJournal of Marketing Research·DateMar 11, 2019

The unexpected creates reward when listening to music

Research at McGill University found that musically unexpected events elicit reward prediction errors in the nucleus accumbens, a brain region associated with musical pleasure. This discovery establishes music as a neurobiological reward capable of motivating learning and pleasurable listening experiences.

SourceMcGill University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 12, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Dopamine modulates reward experiences elicited by music

A new study published in PNAS reveals a causal link between dopamine and the reward responses in humans when listening to music. Researchers found that dopamine manipulation led to opposite effects on musical pleasure and motivation, with levodopa increasing hedonic experience and risperidone reducing both.

SourceUniversity of Barcelona·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 24, 2019

Dopamine modulates the reward experiences elicited by music

Researchers found that dopamine precursor levodopa increased hedonic experience and motivational responses, while dopamine antagonist risperidone reduced both. These results suggest that dopamine modulates the reward experiences elicited by music, challenging previous evidence in animal models.

SourceIDIBELL-Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 24, 2019

Dopamine and musical pleasure

Researchers found that dopamine plays a crucial role in music-evoked pleasure, with levodopa increasing motivation to purchase songs. The study used pharmacological manipulation to alter dopamine levels, revealing its impact on brain reward responses.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 21, 2019
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 examine how musicians communicate non-verbally during performance

A team of researchers at McMaster University discovered a way to analyze how musicians intuitively coordinate with each other during performances, predicting their movements to convey emotions. The study found that musicians predicted each other's movements more when playing expressively than non-expressively.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 18, 2019

When a brand is like a secret lover

A study by Society for Consumer Psychology found that hiding information about consumption choices increases sense of connection. Researchers conducted experiments where participants were asked to keep their brand choices secret, revealing that secrecy intensified self-brand connections and increased loyalty.

SourceSociety for Consumer Psychology·JournalJournal of Consumer Psychology·DateDec 20, 2018

Network orchestration: SLU researcher uses music to manage networks

Researchers propose using sound-based network management for tasks like datacenter server fan failure detection, authentication, load balancing and congestion notification. Music-defined networking leverages sounds from real or virtual devices to augment existing network components with sound capabilities.

SourceSaint Louis University·DateDec 20, 2018

Marmoset monkeys expect the melody's closing tone

Researchers found that marmosets prefer melodies with consistent dependencies, mirroring human language structures. This discovery implies that primates already possessed this cognitive ability, shared with humans, around 30 million years ago.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalEvolution and Human Behavior·DateDec 19, 2018

Music evokes powerful positive emotions through personal memories

Researchers found that music and pictures evoke strong positive emotions due to personal memories, especially for social and positive feelings like tenderness and joy. The study also showed that personal memories play a crucial role in triggering sad emotions in response to music and pictures, particularly for dementia patients.

SourceUniversity of Jyväskylä - Jyväskylän yliopisto·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 11, 2018
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.

Innate auditory skills and music training

Research suggests that innate auditory perception skills play a significant role in shaping the neural encoding of speech during music training. Volunteers with higher musical listening abilities exhibited enhanced neural encoding of speech cues, comparable to those with extensive formal music training.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 3, 2018

Music supports the auditory skills of hearing-impaired children

A study published in Music Perception reveals that children with hearing impairments who engage in regular music activities exhibit better speech perception in noisy conditions. The results suggest that parental singing and daily musical engagement are crucial for developing communication skills.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalMusic Perception An Interdisciplinary Journal·DateNov 27, 2018

Surrey academic receives award for preserving endangered languages

University of Surrey academic Dr Mike Franjieh has been recognized for preserving two endangered languages on the South Pacific island of Ambrym in Vanuatu. His research has created usable spelling systems and recorded cultural practices, benefiting community members and future generations.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·DateNov 13, 2018

Scientists capture the sound of sunrise on Mars

Researchers transformed a Martian sunrise photo into a two-minute piece of music, with quiet harmonies and brighter sounds created by the sun disk. The work showcases image sonification's potential in analyzing planet surfaces and atmospheres, as well as health science applications.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·DateNov 9, 2018

Face the music: Explicit anti-piracy warnings are best deterrent

A new study found that explicit anti-piracy warnings with graphics are the most effective way to stop music piracy. Researchers tested 220 college undergraduates' reactions to various symbols, action words, and warning phrases, finding that those conveying risk and pairing repercussions were the most effective.

SourceUniversity of Nevada, Las Vegas·DateNov 6, 2018
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Clapping Music app reveals that changing rhythm isn't so easy

Scientists at Queen Mary University of London created an app that challenges users to play Clapping Music, a complex piece written by Steve Reich. The app collected data from over 100,000 players and found that changing rhythms is harder than playing individual rhythms, with average accuracy varying greatly between difficulty levels

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 19, 2018

How common are tobacco, marijuana use in hip-hop music videos?

Leading hip-hop music videos over five years featured tobacco and marijuana use, with combustible products appearing most frequently. The study's findings highlight the genre's influence on youth behavior and contribute to growing public health concerns.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateOct 15, 2018

Use of tobacco & marijuana products frequently featured in hip-hop music videos

A study found that 40-50% of leading hip-hop music videos from 2013-2017 contained tobacco and marijuana use, with brand placement increasing with song popularity. The prevalence of combustible or electronic use rose with songs' popularity, particularly among young people.

SourceThe Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy & Clinical Practice·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateOct 15, 2018

Gordon receives $2.3 Million NIH Director's New Innovator Award

Reyna Gordon, PhD, has received a $2.3 million NIH Director's New Innovator Award to investigate the relationship between rhythm and speech disorders. Her research aims to identify health phenotypes that share a biological basis with humans' musical rhythm abilities.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·DateOct 2, 2018
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Keep them guessing, keep them gaming

A recent study from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business found that uncertain rewards motivate consumers to make repeat purchases. This phenomenon is attributed to the psychological boost consumers receive in moving from uncertainty to certainty resolution.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Booth School of Business·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateSep 12, 2018

Study helps children hit the right note in supporting autistic peers

Researchers discovered that children without autism who participated in music classes with autistic peers displayed increased empathy and a decrease in antisocial emotions. Children with autism reported feeling less victimized after participating in music lessons, which could lead to improved social interactions and reduced bullying.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalAutism·DateAug 28, 2018

These tags turn everyday objects into smart, connected devices

Researchers have developed printable metal tags that reflect WiFi signals, turning everyday objects into 'smart' Internet of Things devices. These tags can be attached to various objects and track user interactions, such as water bottle hydration levels or motor activity after a stroke.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·DateAug 16, 2018
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Study finds music therapy brings effective pain relief for sickle cell patients

A new study from University Hospitals Connor Integrative Health Network reveals that improvisational music therapy can effectively manage acute pain and improve mood in adult patients with sickle cell disease. Music therapy, when actively engaged with a therapist, has a stronger impact on pain management than passive listening to music.

SourceUniversity Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center·JournalJournal of Music Therapy·DateJun 13, 2018

Mu­sic play­school en­hances chil­dren's lin­guistic skills

A low-cost music playschool significantly improved the development of children's phoneme processing and vocabulary skills compared to peers attending dance lessons or none. The study suggests regular music playschool lessons can positively impact preschoolers' linguistic abilities.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 11, 2018
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.

Music activates regions of the brain spared by Alzheimer's disease

Researchers found that music activates the salience network of the brain, which remains relatively functioning in individuals with Alzheimer's disease. The study suggests that personalized music programs may be an alternative route for communicating with patients who have lost contact with their environment.

SourceUniversity of Utah Health·DateApr 27, 2018
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

Do young children learn anything from YouTube videos?

A study of 55 Indian children aged 6-24 months found they were attracted to music and could identify themselves in videos at various stages. However, despite interacting with parents during smartphone viewing, the children did not learn anything from the YouTube clips.

SourceWiley·JournalActa Paediatrica·DateMar 21, 2018

Music therapy aids healing of military personnel

Research highlights music therapy's effectiveness in treating traumatic brain injury and posttraumatic stress disorder among military personnel. Studies show that music can rebuild damaged neural connections, promote motivation, and improve patient outcomes.

SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalMusic Therapy Perspectives·DateMar 20, 2018

UTSA researcher maps San Antonio's music scene

Researchers at UTSA used GIS technology to map the city's live music venues, studios, and production companies, finding Districts 1, 8, and 9 are hubs for growth. The study also showed a correlation between the music scene and alcohol sales.

SourceUniversity of Texas at San Antonio·DateMar 20, 2018

New automatic methods for generating and classifying music

Researchers at the UPV/EHU develop two new methods for generating and classifying music, one based on genre classification using similar bertso melodies. These methods also enable the automatic generation of new melodies in various styles.

SourceUniversity of the Basque Country·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 15, 2018
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Music boosts exercise time during cardiac stress testing

A study by the American College of Cardiology found that listening to music during a standard cardiac stress test can prolong activity and participation. On average, participants who listened to music exercised for almost one minute longer than those without music.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·DateMar 1, 2018

Hip-hop music influencing more African-Americans to try 'Molly'

A study found that 82% of African American young adults who tried molly attributed its use to hip-hop music, particularly lyrics from artists like Kanye West and French Montana. Researchers suggest that hip-hop may be an effective source for prevention, health promotion, and harm reduction messages aimed at this demographic.

SourceUniversity of South Florida (USF Health)·JournalJournal of Ethnicity in Substance Abuse·DateFeb 12, 2018

Noise sensitive persons can blame their brain

A new study reveals that noise sensitivity is related to differences in brain structure and sound processing, affecting individuals' ability to tolerate background noise. Research suggests that noise-sensitive people may experience difficulties with unexpected sounds and altered emotional responses to music.

SourceAarhus University·JournalNeuroImage·DateFeb 9, 2018
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.

Robot drummer posts pictures of jamming sessions on Facebook

A study by Queen Mary University of London researchers found that robot drummer Mortimer's social media posts sparked significant human interaction, particularly when accompanied by photos and comments. Music proved to be a key factor in establishing believability and long-term engagement with the robot.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalIEEE Transactions on Cognitive and Developmental Systems·DateDec 20, 2017

Music streaming sites benefit indie singers at the expense of top 100 artists

A new study reveals that Spotify significantly increases exposure and access to lesser-known indie artists while decreasing consumption of top 100 artists. The study monitored the music consumption habits of over 5,000 users for 2.5 years, finding a 62% increase in unique artists listened to within two weeks of joining Spotify.

SourceInstitute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences·JournalMarketing Science·DateDec 14, 2017

Why musical training benefits us in processing speech

A brain imaging study reveals that musical training sharpens and bonds ears and tongue to hear speech better by enhancing neural foundation in bottom-up auditory encoding, top-down speech motoric prediction, and cross-modal auditory-motor integration.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 4, 2017

Do birdsong and human speech share biological roots?

Researchers found that young zebra finches are biased to produce specific sound patterns, similar to those in human languages and music. This bias is thought to be influenced by innate brain mechanisms, supporting the idea of a 'universal grammar' for language learning.

SourceMcGill University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateNov 22, 2017
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.

Sixth-graders can learn, perform hands-only CPR

Researchers found that sixth-graders who learned Hands-Only CPR through music and video games performed better than those who only watched a video. Most students recalled calling 911 and providing high-quality compressions, suggesting that tempo-reinforcing tools can help children learn effective CPR.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateNov 11, 2017

No evidence of hidden hearing loss from common recreational noise

A recent study has found no evidence of auditory nerve injury or permanent hearing difficulties in young adults after attending a loud event. The research suggests that traditional hearing tests may not detect hidden hearing loss caused by recreational noise, highlighting the need for alternative testing methods.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Neuroscience·DateSep 26, 2017

Brown to study music program for nursing home residents with dementia

Researchers at Brown University plan to conduct a randomized trial to evaluate the effectiveness of a personalized music program in improving care and outcomes for nursing home residents with dementia. The new study aims to provide clearer evidence on the impact of MUSIC & MEMORY, which has shown promising results in previous studies.

SourceBrown University·DateSep 20, 2017
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.