Song's Success Can Be Predicted from Teens' Brain Activity

It is possible to predict the popularity of an unknown song through the brain activity of teenagers, according to Emory University study.

"We have scientifically demonstrated that you can, to some extent, use neuroimaging in a group of people to predict cultural popularity," said Gregory Berns, a neuroeconomist and director of Emory's Center for Neuropolicy.

Now, a Chinese Apparatus to Treat Depression With 'Prescriptive Music'
Scientists in northeast China's Heilongjiang Province have developed a therapeutic apparatus, claimed to be the world's first instrument to treat clinical depression.

Based on data collected from a 2006 study, the researchers showed how peer pressure affects the opinions of teenagers. The experiment had used relatively unknown songs to try to ensure that the teens were hearing them for the first time.

They discovered that the brain responses could predict about one-third of the songs that would eventually go on to sell more than 20,000 units.

The results also suggested that it may be possible to use brain responses from a group of people to predict cultural phenomenon across a population.

Listening to Music Could Ease Fibromyalgia-related Pain
Scientists have found that music therapy enhances quality of life among patients suffering from fibromyalgia.

The study is published in the Journal of Consumer Psychology.

Source-ANI

Musical Training Can Offset Negative Effects Of Aging
A Northwestern University study has found that musical training can offset some of the deleterious effects of aging.

Sharing Musical Instruments Could Spread Disease-causing Germs
A pilot study has suggested that germs survive for several days in wind instruments including the clarinet, flute, and saxophone.