Sentiosonics looks at what sound and music actually do to the mind and body, and how sure anyone can be about it. We summarise the research, grade every study against a published rubric, and check what the press says against the papers it cites. Some of it holds up well. Some of it doesn't. We tell you which.
Ideas & articles
Essays and explainers on sound, music and the brain, held to the same standard as the research library: every claim sourced, opinion labelled as opinion.
Read moreThe science
Studies on entrainment, music therapy and sound-based practices, each summarised in plain English and graded on how much weight it can bear. New papers every week, and we are working back to the first ones in the field.
Read moreIn the news
When a headline makes a claim about sound and the brain, we read the paper behind it and say whether the story is accurate, fair, overstated or misleading.
Read moreArticles & ideas
The Science and Practice of Sound in Meditation: From Ancient Chanting to Modern Brainwave Entrainment
From Tibetan singing bowls and chant to gong baths and binaural beats: how sound is used in meditation, and what research says about why…
Vibroacoustic Therapy: The Science Behind Its Soothing Effects
How vibroacoustic therapy uses low-frequency sound vibration for relaxation and stress relief: how it works, who it may help, its limits…
Discover the Bonny Method: A Powerful Tool for Self-Exploration
An introduction to the Bonny Method of Guided Imagery and Music, which pairs classical music with guided imagery for self-exploration and…
Every piece says what it is
Research summaries carry an evidence grade based on study design, sample size, controls, blinding and replication. Every grade shows its working on the study page.
Research library
Four things to listen to during an MRI, and what 400 patients reported afterwards
AI-written guided imagery added to music: anxiety did not budge, negative mood did
Aromatherapy plus music for distress: the combination rarely beat either one alone
Binaural beats added to a flickering light: entrainment at 8 and 20 Hz, not at 40 Hz
Latest response
Graded: “Making Music May Rewire the Addicted Brain”
Our read: OverstatedA 16-person pilot found real within-session craving drops and one significant EEG difference. The coverage reported a non-significant brainwave result as a marked reduction.
Read our response
