A year in music science: wonder, volume and animals that groove

Short Wave

NPR

Daily News, Nature, Life Sciences, Astronomy, Science, News

4.7 • 6K Ratings

🗓️ 28 December 2023

⏱️ 12 minutes

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Summary

As 2023 comes to a close, Short Wave teamed up with our friends at All Things Considered to round up some of our favorite stories of the year — this time, about the science behind music. First, science correspondent Rob Stein talks to researchers (and Phish's Mike Gordon) about what happens to our brains on music. Then, All Things Considered host Juana Summers and investigations correspondent Sacha Pfeiffer share a study about why lead singers, like Jeff Beck, have gotten quieter over the years. And finally, All Things Considered hosts Ailsa Chang and Ari Shapiro explore research that says some animals might be able to perceive melody and rhythm, too.

Have other questions about the science behind music? What have you observed about how your favorite songs make you feel? Email us at [email protected].

Transcript

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0:00.0	You're listening to Shortwave from NPR.
0:05.0	Hey Shortwavers, Regina Barbara here and this time I've brought a very special guest, all things considered
0:11.0	host extraordinaire, Elsa Ching. Hey Elsa! Hello! All things considered host extraordinary Elsa Chang.
0:13.2	Hey Elsa!
0:14.2	Hello, thank you so much for having me.
0:16.2	Oh, you're welcome.
0:17.2	You're welcome any time.
0:18.2	We're a few days away from the end of the year, like 2024 is upon us. I mean, and thank God, because I am so glad to have
0:26.2	2023 in my rearview mirror. Yeah, you know what, me too. But it hasn't actually all been bad.
0:33.0	As the year winds down, we've been taking a look back at our favorite stories that aired
0:37.2	on All Things Considered this year, right?
0:38.8	Yeah, and actually we noticed that we did quite a few stories about the science behind music which I am now
0:45.9	rapping with a bow and gifting to you. You're welcome Gina. Oh thank you so much
0:52.0	these are two of my favorite topics like I can't wait to hear them.
0:55.6	Today on the show, Elsa brings us three stories.
0:58.7	That's right, about music and wonder, why lead vocalists have actually become quieter and how animals respond to music too.
1:05.0	You're listening to Shortwave,
1:08.0	the Science Podcast from NPR. are. and the
1:23.0	following message come from Crayola Creativity Week, January 22nd through 28th.
1:26.0	Crayola Creativity Week celebrates creativity and engage in kids worldwide in creative,
1:31.0	colourful learning.
1:32.0	Daily themes showcase how creativity connects people and
	...

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