A groundbreaking study has revealed that people with better rhythm may perform better on language and reading tests. This suggests a complex, shared genetic foundation for music and language skills, which were previously thought to be distinct.
The study, published in Nature Human Behaviour, was led by researchers from Vanderbilt University Medical Center and the Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics in the Netherlands. It was supported by National Institutes of Health.
&ldquo;The study focused on identifying potential shared genetic architecture between language-related disorders and musical rhythm abilities, and probing the evolutionary past of the implicated genomic regions. The aim was to help reveal the neural and biological characteristics of our species that made rhythm and language an asset to human development and behaviour,&rdquo; researchers say in the article.
Using data from 23andMe, researchers analysed the genetics of more than 1 million individuals. They identified genetic variants that influence both rhythm and language skills. They found that those with genes linked to better musical rythms were less likely to be affected by learning disabilities such as dyslexia. They also pinpointed 16 regions of the human genome where rhythm and language traits overlap.
&ldquo;We were particularly intrigued by the finding that genetic variants associated with both rhythm and language are enriched in oligodendrocytes,&rdquo;&nbsp;said Dr. Reyna Gordon, the study&rsquo;s senior author and an associate professor at Vanderbilt. Oligodendrocytes create the myelin sheath that insulates and protects nerve cells in the brain and spine. &ldquo;These brain cells help ensure that neural circuits stay strong, which is essential for both musical and linguistic skills.&rdquo;
In addition to advancing our understanding of brain function, the study also has implications for clinical applications. Given that disorders of language and reading, including dyslexia,&nbsp;can have long-term health impacts, identifying genetic factors that they share with rhythm impairment may enhance future possibilities for diagnoses and treatment, the researchers say.
With this breakthrough, scientists are one step closer to understanding the intertwined genetic basis of rhythm, language, and cognitive function.

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November 30, 2024 | 22:00 IST

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