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BOB HIRSHON (host):
A healthy dose of music. I’m Bob Hirshon and this is Science Update.
[Music: Just Breathe by Telepopmusik]
HIRHSON:
A new study suggests that listening to music may be good for your heart– especially if you’ve had musical training. Volunteers listened to various types of music, from classical to rap. After hearing it, the volunteers’ heart rates and breathing were calmer than they had been before listening to the music—even if the music had been fast and furious. And those with musical training showed the most benefit.
In other musical news, patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, are using harmonicas to help regulate their breathing. COPD is the fourth leading cause of death in the country. Harmonica training helps patients learn how to focus on deep, controlled breathing.
[Music: Just Breathe]
HIRHSON:
I’m Bob Hirshon, for AAAS, the science society.