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Snowball the dancing cockatoo has many moves

Researchers found Snowball's movement diversity is not limited to humans, suggesting an innate ability to respond to music with intentional movements. The study proposes five traits that may explain the shared natural ability to dance in humans and parrots.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJul 8, 2019

A $12 pill test could save the lives of first-timers

A new study found that pill testing services at music festivals may be most effective in reducing harm for people trying ecstasy for the first time, as they are most cautious after a pill test. However, prior users who are high in sensation seeking are at the greatest risk of harm, even with a pill test. Introducing counselling and dru...

SourceEdith Cowan University·JournalDrug and Alcohol Review·DateJun 10, 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

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

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

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

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

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

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