Study Finds Musical Ability May Be an Innate Brain Function
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Researchers used an artificial neural network model to show music-selective neurons can develop spontaneously without being taught music.
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These neurons behaved similarly to those in the human auditory cortex, responding selectively to various forms of music.
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The research implies musical ability may be an instinctive brain function, evolved to enhance processing of natural sounds.
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The artificial neurons encoded the temporal structure of music like those in the auditory cortex.
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Music-selectivity aided the neural network's ability to generalize to other natural sounds, suggesting an evolutionary origin.