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Finnish study shows musical aptitude inherited
HELSINKI, Feb 23, 2011 (Xinhua via COMTEX) --
Researchers from Helsinki
University and Sibelius Academy of Finland first uncovered in a
latest study the molecular genetics of musical aptitude. The
research result shows that the musical aptitude of human is
inherited.
According to Finnish media report on Wednesday, the Finnish
researchers used methods of music education and molecular genetics
to study the biological basis of musical aptitude. Thirty one
Finnish pedigrees composed of 400 participants, including
professional musicians, amateurs and musically untrained
individuals, have participated in the study. The researchers used
three music tests including the auditory structuring ability test
(the Karma Music test) and Carl Seashore's pitch and time
discrimination subtests to assess the musical aptitudes of the
participants. In addition, blood samples of the participants over
12 years have been collected from all study subjects.
The study found that about 50 percent of the inheritance of
music test scores in Finnish multigenerational families could be
explained by genetic factors.
The study showed for the first time that creative functions in
music (composing, arranging and improvising music) have a strong
genetic component. Creativity is a multi-factorial genetic trait
that involves a complex network made up of a number of genes and
environmental factors. The researchers proved a connection between
arginine vasopressin receptor 1A (AVPR1A) gene variants and
musical aptitude, in order to explain the neurobiological basis of
music in human evolution and communication.
Musical abilities have been studied for over hundred years but
not until now have attempts been made to uncover the molecular
genetics of musical aptitude. Researchers from Helsinki University
and Sibelius Academy of Finland first uncovered the molecular
genetics of musical aptitude.
Identifying molecules connected with music perception,
listening and performing will likely reveal new mechanisms of
brain function. Enhancing people's knowledge of interactions
between the biological basis of music and human physiological
functions will improve the development of cost-effective
applications of music medicine in clinical practice, which could
reduce the costs of medical expenses by reducing the use of
medication, shortening the need for hospital care and speeding up
rehabilitation processes.
The study published in the latest issue Journal of Human
Genetics.
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