Hi, you're about to get smarter in just a few minutes with Curiosity Daily from Curiosity.com.

I'm Cody Goff. And I'm Ashley Hamer.

Today you learn about an audio illusion that demonstrates the tight links between language and music and a surprising

high-tech use for tree rings with Cornell Professor Sturt Manning.

Let's satisfy some curiosity.

There's obviously a difference between speaking and singing,

but on a basic level, they're the same thing.

Words coming out of people's mouths.

And there's an audio illusion that shows just how closely related they really are.

But first, what is the difference between speaking and singing?

Well, we speak at an inconsistent speed and change volume and intonation to convey emphasis or emotion.

But with singing, pitch changes more gradually, but across a greater range,

and the rhythm is generally regulated.

Given these characteristic differences, scientists assumed the brain used separate neural pathways

to process speech and song. But a professor at UC San Diego discovered

accidentally that this is not the case. Back in 1995

Professor Diana Deutsch was putting the finishing touches on a CD she'd narrated.

To make sure she hadn't misspoke, she listened to sections of the CD on a loop.

We're going to play a clip of that so you can hear what it sounded like.

And remember, this is on a loop, so no, your podcast app is not broken.

This is not an editing mistake.

Just hang with us for the next 30 seconds or so.

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