Music is a major part of many people’s lives. But most of them believe that singing is a talent that you are born with, you cannot learn good singing through practice. We all have that inner voice, that sounds much better than our actual singing. And that voice may be the reason why you cannot sing on pitch!

This inner voice is known as subvocalization. According to ScienceDirect, it is the internal singing or speaking of lyrics or sentences, accompanied by subtle, often unconscious, movements of facial muscles and other body parts. A 2018 study published in the Psychophysiology revealed that imagining the act of singing before actually vocalizing improved pitch accuracy. On the other hand, physical preparation through body movements led to more pitch errors. Essentially, mental rehearsal helps, while physical tension hinders.

Tempo and Pitch Accuracy

Another significant factor affecting our ability to sing in tune is tempo. Research published in The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America explored how singing speed impacts pitch. The study found that occasional singers matched professional singers' pitch accuracy at slower tempos. However, when singing faster, pitch errors increased significantly.

Beyond tempo, the ability to sing in tune hinges on three core elements which are pitch accuracy, rhythmic precision, and note memory. It's important to remember that even trained singers experience pitch imperfections. In fact, perfect pitch is exceedingly rare, occurring in only one to five out of 10,000 people, according to Scientific American.

Do Genetic Play A Role In Good Singing?

Ever noticed a family trend of off-key singing? Genetics could be playing a role. Experts have long suspected a link between genetic predisposition and singing ability. According to a 2022 study published in the iScience journal, singing is a mix of what you're born with (your genes) and what you learn from your surroundings. To figure this out, scientists asked a large group of Australian twins to sing using a validated online singing tool. From these tests, they created a score that showed overall singing ability. They discovered that about 40% of how well someone sings comes from their genes. But, surprisingly, about 37% comes from their shared environment, like growing up in a musical home. This means that things like singing with your family as a kid or being around music early in life significantly affect how good you are at singing.

Pitch Is Not Necessary For Good Singing

A 2012 study published in the NeuroImage has shown that when you listen to music, your brain's movement centers light up. Which means that there is more brain activity. But the more you practice, the less those centers light up. In the study researchers found that there was less activity in the brain when it knew the cords and was practicing for a while.

This means that practicing might help you control those little muscle movements that can throw your singing off. So, if you want to sing better, don't give up! Just keep practicing. Like music teachers always say, practice makes perfect, or at least closer to perfect. The more you sing, the better you'll get at controlling your muscles and staying in tune.

There is no denying that we've all grown up listening to idioms that refer to sleep as something unproductive. For years, society has glorified the idea of sacrificing rest to achieve more, pushing the narrative that success comes at the cost of sleep. However, as cases of sleep disorders such as insomnia, sleep apnea, and chronic fatigue increase, health experts are raising serious concerns about the repercussions of sleep deprivation. Recent research has now revealed an alarming consequence—when deprived of sleep, the brain quite literally starts eating itself.

A study published in *The Journal of Neuroscience* has uncovered that prolonged wakefulness leads to the brain consuming its own healthy cells. Researchers found that astrocytes, which are responsible for maintaining and repairing the brain, become overly aggressive in trimming unnecessary synapses. While this process is beneficial in moderation, chronic sleep deprivation causes astrocytes to over-prune, damaging essential neural connections instead of just clearing out the excess. This means that rather than helping the brain function efficiently, persistent lack of sleep triggers its deterioration over time.

Additionally, the study found that microglia—the brain’s immune cells—become hyperactive due to sleep deprivation. Normally, microglia work to clear out harmful debris, bacteria, and dead cells to protect the brain from infections and inflammation. However, when sleep is consistently disrupted, these immune cells remain in a prolonged state of activation. This sustained hyperactivity may lead to chronic inflammation in the brain, which has been linked to several neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

The consequences of sleep deprivation extend far beyond just feeling fatigued. Over time, the cumulative damage caused by these changes in brain activity may accelerate cognitive decline, impair memory, and increase the risk of developing neurological disorders. Alarmingly, researchers also observed that chronic sleep loss contributes to overall brain shrinkage. This suggests that deep, consistent sleep is one of the most powerful ways to preserve long-term cognitive health and prevent irreversible damage.

It is well known that sleep plays a crucial role in clearing out toxins from the brain, consolidating memory, and regulating emotions. Losing too much of it can disrupt these essential functions, potentially leading to mood disorders such as depression and anxiety. Furthermore, studies suggest that sleep deprivation affects decision-making skills and reaction times, increasing the likelihood of accidents and poor judgment.

With the rise of digital distractions, work pressure, and social commitments, people are sleeping less than ever before. However, these new findings reinforce the importance of prioritizing quality sleep. Experts suggest that maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, reducing screen exposure before bed, and practicing relaxation techniques such as meditation or reading can significantly improve sleep quality.

While we may be tempted to trade sleep for productivity, the science is clear—skimping on rest can have serious long-term effects on brain health. If chronic sleep deprivation continues, the brain may begin to deteriorate at an accelerated pace, making it more susceptible to cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases. In the end, investing in proper sleep is not just about feeling rested; it’s about ensuring that the brain remains strong and resilient for years to come.

When we talk about rice, we mostly talk about white or brown. However, not many people know that there is a black-purple coloured variant of this called Black rice. Packed with nutrients, this variant owes its purple colour to a pigment called anthocyanin, which has potent antioxidant properties. Intrestingly, in ancient China, black rice was considered so unique and nutritious that it was forbidden for everyone beyond royalty.

What's Special About Black Rice?

1. A Rich Source of Essential Nutrients

Black rice stands out among rice varieties due to its high protein content. In comparison to brown rice, which contains 7 grams of protein per 100 grams, black rice offers 9 grams. It is also a valuable source of iron, a mineral crucial for oxygen transport in the body.

A quarter cup (45 grams) of uncooked black rice provides:

Calories: 160

Fat: 1.5 grams

Protein: 4 grams

Carbohydrates: 34 grams

Fiber: 1 gram

Iron: 6% of the Daily Value (DV)

2. High in Antioxidants

Beyond its protein and fiber content, black rice is rich in antioxidants—compounds that help combat oxidative stress and reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, Alzheimer’s, and cancer. Studies indicate that black rice has the highest antioxidant activity among rice varieties, containing over 23 beneficial plant compounds, including flavonoids and carotenoids.

3. Contains Anthocyanins for Added Health Benefits

Anthocyanins, the flavonoid pigments responsible for black rice’s dark hue, are known for their potent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer properties. Research suggests that consuming anthocyanin-rich foods can lower the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and obesity.

4. Supports Heart Health

Though research on black rice and heart health is ongoing, its flavonoids have been linked to a lower risk of cardiovascular disease. Some studies suggest that anthocyanins can improve cholesterol levels by increasing HDL (good) cholesterol and reducing LDL (bad) cholesterol. While further research is needed, early findings suggest black rice may help reduce plaque buildup in arteries.

5. Potential Anticancer Properties

Black rice’s anthocyanins may also play a role in cancer prevention. Population studies show that higher intake of anthocyanin-rich foods is associated with a reduced risk of colorectal cancer. Additionally, laboratory research suggests that anthocyanins from black rice can inhibit the growth and spread of breast cancer cells. However, more human studies are needed to confirm these effects.

6. Promotes Eye Health

Black rice contains significant amounts of lutein and zeaxanthin, two antioxidants that protect the eyes from damage caused by free radicals. These compounds help filter harmful blue light and may reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), cataracts, and diabetic retinopathy. Animal studies suggest anthocyanins may also protect the retina, though human research is still limited.

7. Naturally Gluten-Free

For individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, black rice offers a nutritious, gluten-free alternative to many whole grains. It provides essential nutrients without triggering digestive issues associated with gluten-containing grains like wheat, barley, and rye.

8. May Aid in Weight Management

Black rice’s high protein and fiber content can promote satiety, potentially aiding in weight management. Some animal studies suggest that anthocyanins may help reduce body fat, though human studies are still limited. A study found that consuming a mix of black and brown rice led to greater weight loss compared to eating white rice.

9. Additional Health Benefits

May Help Regulate Blood Sugar: Animal studies suggest that black rice may aid in blood sugar control, though human trials are required for confirmation.

Supports Liver Health: Research on mice indicates that black rice may reduce fat accumulation in the liver, potentially lowering the risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

10. Easy to Cook and Versatile

Cooking black rice is similar to preparing other rice varieties. Simply combine the rice with water or broth, bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 30–35 minutes until tender. To achieve a fluffier texture, rinse the rice before cooking to remove excess starch.

Black rice can be used in various dishes, including grain bowls, stir-fries, salads, and desserts like rice pudding.

Imagine if pain management didn't need a pill, injection, or surgery—just a simple mind trick. It may sound like a magic trick, but new studies indicate that our brain can be tricked into alleviating pain through a remarkable psychological phenomenon.

A recent paper in the journal Pain Reports documents a strange but powerful method for reducing pain—by an illusion called the Rubber Hand Illusion (RHI). This pioneering research may unlock the door to non-drug therapy for chronic pain, presenting a choice for the millions of victims.

This study shows how strong the brain is in forming our experience of pain. By using the mind's capacity to be deceived through illusions, we can potentially be on the threshold of a new age in pain relief—one that has no need for drugs but rather uses the brain's own neuroplasticity.

What Is the Rubber Hand Illusion?

The Rubber Hand Illusion is a well-known psychological test that deceives the brain into thinking that an artificial hand belongs to the body. In earlier research, subjects were seated with one hand concealed behind a screen and a realistic rubber hand in front of them. When both the real and artificial hands were touched at the same time, most subjects reported feeling the sensations in the rubber hand as if it were their own.

Following this idea, researchers at Ruhr University Bochum in Germany examined whether the illusion would be able to impact pain perception. Rather than touch, they applied heat and light to examine how visual and sensory integration impacts pain perception.

Can Visual Illusions Reduce Pain?

The experiment included 34 subjects who were subjected to a rubber hand that was red-glowing while their concealed actual hand was provided with heat stimuli of varying warmth to the level of pain. The subjects then rated their pain on a scale with their other hand.

The control group received the rubber hand in an upside-down position, and this interfered with the body ownership illusion. The outcomes were dramatic: when participants saw the rubber hand in its appropriate position, they responded with significantly decreased pain levels—sometimes within a mere 1.5 seconds after the illusion had been induced. This pain reduction continued during the experiment, showing a clear connection between the illusion and pain regulation.

One of the most important insights that emerge from this research is that of visual analgesia—a situation where mere observation of a part of the body in pain will alleviate the discomfort. What this finding implies is that how we perceive our bodies visually has an important function to play in the alleviation of pain.

The findings suggest that when individuals feel the rubber hand is their own, their brain recalibrates its reaction to pain accordingly, said lead researcher Martin Diers. Although the precise neural mechanisms involved in this process are not yet understood, the research paves the way for further investigation into how the brain combines visual and sensory information.

Does this Drug-Free Method Help in Pain Relief?

With the ever-present opioid crisis and growing fears over the side effects of pain medication, finding alternative pain relief options is more important than ever. Chronic pain harms millions globally and common painkillers often involve risks like addiction, tolerance build-up, and adverse side effects.

The Rubber Hand Illusion provides a fascinating, non-surgical means to potentially treat pain without medication. As this study is in its infancy, however, there is potential for implications. Healthcare professionals might include illusion-based treatment in pain therapies if further research establishes these findings. Patients suffering from arthritis, fibromyalgia, or neuropathic pain could benefit.

Could This Lead to Better Pain Treatments?

Though the Rubber Hand Illusion is not yet a widely accepted treatment, its success implies that other mind-body interventions like it have the potential to transform pain therapy. Future research can look into means of amplifying the illusion's analgesic effect, potentially with virtual reality (VR) or augmented reality (AR) platforms.

For example, VR technology might transport the user into a world where he or she "sees" the hurt limb healing or senses lower levels of pain through deception. These technologies might make feasible, home-based therapies for the chronically ailing.