Research Updates
Here at Bigger Better Brains we believe that through educating yourself, you can then educate and affect positive change in your community.
With all of the research in the field of neuromusical science, our BBB Research section serves as a content hub for you. We regularly share findings and break down the latest research to educate and inspire discussion. We hope you enjoy this page on our website and share BBB news with your colleagues, parents and students.
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- Music Learning
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- Research Bites
- Research Methods
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- Reward
- Singing
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- Video
- Wellbeing & Therapy
- Working Memory
Brains work in sync during music therapy
Imagine a music therapist and their patient wearing EEG caps. Imagine them working together and coming to a moment when the therapy was “working”. Imagine seeing the EEG signal suddenly change for the patient, and then seeing the same change in the therapist just afterwards.
Music benefits both mental and physical health
We know that music listening and playing can change our mood. Sometimes it cheers us up, sometimes it makes it safe to feel sombre emotions, but did you ever wonder why? Now we know.
Singing is fundamental to our biological makeup
This is a brilliant article worth a full read, but here are some highlights for you from one of BBBs favourite researchers Professor Sarah Wilson from the University of Melbourne.
Can music help people with Parkinson’s?
Music therapy and music learning are having a profound impact on the life and rehabilitation of people suffering from Parkinson’s disease. It is important to understand the difference between music therapy and music learning because sometimes they either look very similar, or one leads seamlessly into the other.
$20 million is a serious investment in music as medicine
It has been widely publicised that the National Institute of Health (NIH) in the U.S. has just awarded the Sound Health Initiative $20 million over the next 5 years to look into the health and learning benefits of music and music learning.
Singing at work = better job performance
Imagine having a singing group at your work. Imagine starting the day with a song with your colleagues. What would your work culture feel like and how would you feel about going to work?
Why does music bring us pleasure?
This study shows for the first time a causal role of dopamine in musical pleasure and motivation: enjoying a piece of music, deriving pleasure from it, wanting to listen to it again, being willing to spend money for it, strongly depend on the dopamine released in our synapses.
Can music listening and performance change our genes?
Possibly! This heavy duty article highlights the recent research which has found that music listening and performance has been found to influence how genes behave or regulate themselves. The first few sentences set the scene and we have done a translation for you.
Are neuroscientists causation happy?
Prof Schellenberg compared 114 articles about music training and brain development and then analysed the titles and abstracts for the inference of causational (one action causes another) findings and correlational (a connection between two things) findings.
Are all studies created equal?
Periodically the research community completes a systematic review, sometimes known as a literature review, of a given area of research.
Musical tastes can predict personality traits and political leaning
Do you have similar musical tastes to your friends? How about your work colleagues? Do you think musical tastes tell us anything else about a person? This study thinks it might when it compared musical taste with political leaning.
Would you want to know your musical potential?
Here is one hell of a tricky question – if your musical potential, meaning your likelihood of being successful at learning music (whatever that really means) could be measured, would you want to know?
Music’s Secret Genetic Power: What It Means for Language and Learning
A groundbreaking study in Nature Human Behaviour has revealed a fascinating genetic connection between musical rhythm skills and language-related traits, including dyslexia.
Unlocking the Connection Between Music, Memory, and Learning
Recent research from the Georgia Institute of Technology has unveiled compelling insights into how music affects learning, memory, and emotions.
How Music Fuels Memory
A recent study from Aarhus University reveals that while older adults can remember familiar music as well as younger individuals, their brains engage differently during the process.
Advocacy in Action Quiz
Take our free, 60 second quiz and maximize your advocacy impact by discovering your advocacy style and knowledge gaps.
Holiday Cheer, BBB Style: Share the Joy and the Knowledge!
Thank you for a wonderful 2024! Here’s a little gift from BBBB to you.
Depressed? Classical music could be the unexpected remedy!
Music has always been a go-to for lifting our spirits, but did you know classical music might take it a step further by actually helping treat depression?
Top 7 questions asked by students
Founder of Bigger Better Brains, Dr Anita Collins, receives hundreds of emails from students around the world asking questions about neuromusical research. So she decided to record a short video about the most asked questions she has received.
The surprising link between music and cognitive health in older adults
Can music play a role in healthy aging? According to new research, the answer might be yes.
Can Music Sync Our Heartbeats? This Study Says Yes!
Imagine sitting in a concert hall, completely immersed in the music, when something incredible happens—you and the people around you begin to breathe and feel the same rhythm.
Trick or Treat! The Halloween Themed Digital Campaign
We're thrilled to announce the launch of our Trick or Treat Digital Campaign for Halloween. Enter your email and receive the campaign now!
Tuning up our Brain for the Test
As a music teacher, how often have we heard the phrase, “I have to skip rehearsal, I have a test”? In my school, as in many schools, we have our only rehearsal time in the morning prior to school starting, and I hear this comment regularly through the school year.
Singing is not just singing, it is social glue
A new research project will investigate if singing together could be more than just a pleasant pastime; it might be a powerful tool for enhancing cooperation across various aspects of society, from classrooms to boardrooms.
‘If you’re aiming for this…’ Free Digital Download
Introducing our exciting new ‘If You’re Aiming for This…’ campaign, created to help you engage with your community like never before!
Pitch Perfect: Singing Earworms Reveals Surprising Trait
Many of us have experienced those catchy tunes that get stuck in our heads, but did you know that nearly 45% of people can sing these earworms in perfect pitch?
Singing Together: How choirs boost brain health and emotional well-being
Singing in a community choir is more than just a musical activity—it's a powerful therapeutic experience
Ebook: Music benefits every child!
There is a commonly held belief that learning music should only be for those students who are identified as talented or interested. Neuromusical research has shown that music learning can benefit all students in terms of cognitive development.
'Wanna Be Like...' Olympics Edition
We're thrilled to announce the launch of our Olympics 'Wanna Be Like...' campaign, created to celebrate the excitement of the 2024 Olympic Games!
