College
College of Arts & Sciences
Mentor Information
Meera Nanjundan
Description
Music can be defined as structured sound that serves as a “universal language” capable of influencing emotion, cognition, and social connectivity in humans. Its formal application into the medical profession began in the 20th century, following World War I and II. Human subject research involving music therapy has since reported a myriad of health benefits such as those on emotional (e.g., anxiety, depression, and stress), neurological (e.g., cognitive impairment, sleep issues, and dementia), and physical well-being (e.g., pain, multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia). However, the impact of such structured acoustics on biological processes at the cellular and molecular level remains unclear. Towards this goal, we performed a critical examination of the current literature pertaining to music, acoustics, or sound waves using rationally selected PubMed search terms relevant to protein trafficking, cell signaling, and the cytoskeletal system. Following application of defined exclusion criteria, we extracted 143 relevant research publications of which a subset reports the use of rodent models in combination with invasive experimental approaches to enable detailed cellular and molecular analyses. Altogether, we expect our analyses will aid in defining applied acoustic methodologies to support research rigor and reproducibility, as well as uncover gaps in current knowledge and areas for further research. Through these efforts, advancements in our understanding of the medicinal properties of structured acoustics will be made. Furthermore, this work may uncover molecular targets for which therapeutic regimens in combination with non-pharmacological interventions could be developed to improve health outcomes and diminish disease burden.
Alterations in Intracellular Pathways by Structured Acoustics Across Mammalian Model Systems
Music can be defined as structured sound that serves as a “universal language” capable of influencing emotion, cognition, and social connectivity in humans. Its formal application into the medical profession began in the 20th century, following World War I and II. Human subject research involving music therapy has since reported a myriad of health benefits such as those on emotional (e.g., anxiety, depression, and stress), neurological (e.g., cognitive impairment, sleep issues, and dementia), and physical well-being (e.g., pain, multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia). However, the impact of such structured acoustics on biological processes at the cellular and molecular level remains unclear. Towards this goal, we performed a critical examination of the current literature pertaining to music, acoustics, or sound waves using rationally selected PubMed search terms relevant to protein trafficking, cell signaling, and the cytoskeletal system. Following application of defined exclusion criteria, we extracted 143 relevant research publications of which a subset reports the use of rodent models in combination with invasive experimental approaches to enable detailed cellular and molecular analyses. Altogether, we expect our analyses will aid in defining applied acoustic methodologies to support research rigor and reproducibility, as well as uncover gaps in current knowledge and areas for further research. Through these efforts, advancements in our understanding of the medicinal properties of structured acoustics will be made. Furthermore, this work may uncover molecular targets for which therapeutic regimens in combination with non-pharmacological interventions could be developed to improve health outcomes and diminish disease burden.
