Why do we like the kinds of music we do? It could have to do with our brains (as well as the shape of our ears). We all love the sights and sounds of Christmas, but there are some noises that are hard to take, like SQUEEEK! The sound of fingernails on a chalkboard sets our teeth on edge, but it’s easier to take if we think it’s music. This may explain why certain songs can sound like raucous noise to one person but seem musical to someone else.
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“Ear worms” are not parasites invading our ears, they are tunes you can’t get out of your head. Scientists want to learn what makes a tune so catchy, it “hooks” your brain so you can’t forget it. Advertisers and jingle writers would like to know this secret too.
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