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New Research Finds Babies Are Born With a Remarkable Ability

New Research Finds Babies Are Born With a Remarkable Ability

Summary

A new study has found that newborns can recognize and predict rhythmic patterns in music, showing that some aspects of musical perception are present from birth. However, the ability to understand melody seems to develop over time with experience. Researchers used recordings of newborns’ brain activity to identify these early rhythmic abilities.

Key Facts

  • New research shows that newborn babies can anticipate rhythmic patterns in music.
  • The study was published in the journal PLOS Biology.
  • Researchers tested 49 newborns by playing them piano compositions while they slept.
  • Small electrodes recorded the babies' brain activity to detect reactions to rhythm changes.
  • The newborns showed surprise when rhythms changed unexpectedly, indicating prediction abilities.
  • The study suggests that rhythm perception is inherent from birth, unlike melody understanding.
  • The research is aimed at understanding how early auditory perception develops in humans.
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