Whether a harmony plucks at the heartstrings or a ballad helps you tune out the world, there’s no denying that music can move you – in more ways than one. So this week, Cosmos decided to jazz up its vault selection with some pieces on the science of those symphonic forces.
Brains react to music like a drug
People who become euphoric over music unleash dopamine, a brain chemical that also induces the sense of reward that comes from food, psychoactive drugs and money. Read more
Music and sex
Music is largely a primeval tool to gain the favour of mates, argues evolutionary biologist Rob Brooks. Read more
Once again with feeling: Australian science tugs heart-strings
Do humans really wear their hearts on their sleeve? An ambitious Australian neuroscience project aiming to translate emotional impulses directly into music is hoping to find out. Read more
Originally published by Cosmos as From the vault: Music makes world go ’round
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