Study Reveals How Early Sound Exposure Shapes Brain Differences
Researchers at the **Hebrew University of Jerusalem** have uncovered significant differences in how early sound exposure influences male and female mice. In a study published in **Cell Reports** on **March 15, 2025**, lead researcher **Kamini Sehrawat** and her team explored the effects of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 on baby mice, aiming to understand the role of early sensory experiences in shaping behavior and brain function.
The experiment involved exposing baby mice to the first movement of Beethoven’s symphony, alongside other auditory environments. The findings revealed that male and female mice respond differently to these experiences. Male mice that experienced silence or artificial sounds as infants exhibited a strong aversion to music in adulthood. In contrast, those raised with Beethoven’s compositions displayed a wider array of musical preferences, with a notable number showing an inclination toward music.
The female mice’s responses were distinct. While their preferences varied, they appeared less influenced by early sonic experiences. Interestingly, stronger neural activity in the auditory cortex of female mice correlated with a decreased enjoyment of music, a relationship that was less pronounced or absent in males.
Sehrawat emphasized the implications of their findings, stating, “These results suggest that early sound exposure affects males and females in fundamentally different ways. What looks like the same experience at the surface may trigger completely different neural adaptations in each sex.”
Prof. **Israel Nelken**, co-author of the study, noted the broader significance of the research. He remarked, “Our findings in mice intriguingly suggest that sound preferences rely on mechanisms that operate differently in males and females. Understanding those differences could shed light on how early sensory experiences shape emotional and cognitive development.”
While **Beethoven’s** music served as a structured auditory stimulus, the research underscores a critical point: the same sound can evoke varying responses depending on the listener’s sex. The study highlights the need for further exploration into how auditory experiences can shape not only preferences but also emotional and cognitive outcomes throughout life.
The implications of this research extend beyond the laboratory, potentially influencing future studies on sensory experience and brain development. As scientists continue to unravel the complexities of the brain, findings like these pave the way for a deeper understanding of how early life experiences can leave lasting impacts on behavior and preferences in both humans and animals.
