Move over, math. The universal language is world music.

A new study finds that societies use the same acoustic features for the same types of songs, suggesting universal cognitive mechanisms underpinning world music.

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  • Every culture in the world creates music, though stylistic diversity hides their core similarities.
  • A new study in Science finds that cultures use identifiable acoustic features in the same types of songs and that tonality exists worldwide.
  • Music is one of hundreds of human universals ethnographers have discovered.
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Nom-nom or dinner call? Silverbacks sing as they eat.

Dominant wild silverbacks wax musical with their mouths full.

Image source: Grant Tiffen/Shutterstock
  • Recent recordings of gorillas singing as they eat add the species to a lengthening list of musical eaters in the animal kingdom.
  • Two types of songs have been recorded: a hum, and, well, gorilla improv.
  • It's suspected that spoken language may begin with songs.
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5 ways to pursue a passion project while working a full-time job

There's a reason they call work "work."

John Greim/LightRocket via Getty Images

I'm a writer (in case that wasn't obvious). I'm also a visual artist and musician, but unlike writing, I don't have the privilege of drawing or singing professionally.

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Bring your digital content to the next level with this amazing deal from Scopio

Image ownership and copyright law are huge considerations for anyone producing digital content these days. Scopio offers hundreds of royalty-free images for use anywhere for any purpose.

  • Scopio provides a massive library of royalty-free images for use.
  • Photographs can be used anywhere from websites to social media accounts to ads.
  • New images are added daily.
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4 courses that will turn your podcast idea into solid gold

Anyone with a killer idea for a podcast can learn valuable tactics for turning that idea into a success with the training in the How to Start a Podcast Bundle.

  • This four-course podcasting bundle explores how to build a successful podcast brand.
  • Industry-recognized podcasting experts explain effective storytelling techniques.
  • The training digs into marketing techniques to make your podcast profitable.
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