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Your brain on music
Music lights up almost every area of the brain, which shouldn’t be a surprise since it makes people tap their feet, encourages the recollection of vivid memories and has the potential to lighten the mood. Around the outside 1. Prefrontal cortex: This brain region plays a role in the creation, satisfaction and violation of expectations. […]
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Songs from the Stone Age
No one knows for sure whether music played a key role in human evolution or came about as a kind of ear candy. But there are several scientifically inspired proposals for the origins of music, some included below. Da ya think I’m sexy? Charles Darwin, an avid music fan, suggested in 1871 that humans’ tunes […]
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Evidence of ancient roots
Though early hominids may have made sweet sounds by banging sticks and stones together, the oldest distinguishable instrument dates to 40,000 years ago. A flute made from vulture bone (shown) and others made from mammoth ivory have been found in Hohle Fels cave near Ulm, Germany, and date from 35,000 to 40,000 years ago. Holes […]
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Music of the hemispheres
Playing instruments gives brains a boost.
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Take two stanzas and call me in the morning
From poets to politicians, people have long described music as medicine for the heart and soul. Now scientists are taking a literal look at such musings, investigating music as a means to alleviate pain and enhance recovery. Though some studies are still in the early stages, your favorite soundtrack may one day accompany a prescription. […]
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A mind for music
Infancy’s Symphony | Photo by Carey Wolinsky Read features from the special edition Articles in A mind for music. | Go Download a PDF of the special edition Exclusive for Science News subscribers.Download Download PDF | Subscribe There are very few activities for which your birthday suit and a three-piece suit are equally appropriate attire. […]
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Science Future for August 14, 2010
September 12 – 13 A conference in Chicago focuses on the links between epilepsy and depression. See www.epilepsyanddepressivedisorders.com September 15 The 2010 International Science & Engineering Visualization Challenge entry deadline. Go to www.nsf.gov/news/scivis October 4 – 8Planetary scientists meet in Pasadena, Calif. See dps.aas.org/meetings/2010
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Science Past | FROM THE ISSUE OF AUGUST 13, 1960
SCIENTISTS CALCULATE HOW MAN MAY FLY LIKE BIRD — Man may some day be able to fly by flapping a set of artificial wings, two Chilean scientists assert…. A 154-pound man equipped with 66 pounds of flight accessories would need wings about 10 feet long with a flight surface of 60 square feet. To maintain […]
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Letters
Time’s arrow I’ve enjoyed reading Science News since I was a kid; thanks very much for producing such a fine periodical! This is the first time I’ve felt compelled to write to you about an article you’ve published: “Law and disorder” (SN: 6/19/10, p. 26). I can’t help but feel that the time theory that […]
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Planet Hunter: Geoff Marcy and the Search for Other Earths by Vicki Oransky Wittenstein
A look at exoplanet hunting based on one astronomer’s life and work. Aimed at young adults. PLANET HUNTER Boyds Mills Press, 2010, 48 p., $17.95.
