Sound Waves: Unveiling the Melody of Gender-Based Brain Development

A study highlights gender-differentiated sound preferences in mice, revealing that early auditory experiences shape distinct neural and behavioral outcomes. Male mice exposed to music during early life develop a preference for melodies, unlike those raised in silence. Female mice display varied preferences, unaffected by initial sound environments.

Recent research sheds light on how gender-specific auditory developments in mice brains could influence future behaviors and sound preferences, based on early sound exposure. Conducted by Indian-origin scientist Kamini Sehrawat and colleague Israel Nelken from The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, the study used Beethoven's Symphony No. 9 to explore these intriguing patterns.

According to findings published in Cell Reports, male mice exposed to the symphony developed an affinity for diverse sounds in adulthood, while those in silence veered away from music. Conversely, female mice showed sound preferences unaffected by early auditory experiences. This suggests different neural adaptations between sexes.

Lead researcher Sehrawat suggests these findings may have implications for early childhood development and therapeutic practices, indicating sex-based discrepancies in auditory processing within the brain's auditory cortex. The study emphasizes how early sound exposure molds behavioral trajectories and neural responses differently across genders.

(With inputs from agencies.)