News Health & Medicine

Mental puzzles underlie music’s delight

Brain activity reflects how much people enjoy a particular new tune

By Meghan Rosen

- More than 2 years ago

Whether you’re rocking out to Britney Spears or soaking up Beethoven’s classics, you may be enjoying music because it stimulates a guessing game in your brain.

SOUNDS GOOD Listening to new music sparks activity in brain regions that analyze sound (green), recognize patterns (blue), process emotions (red), and determine rewards (rainbow, at bottom).