A new study has shown that music and coffee can have a positive effect on the activity of beta brain waves associated with cognitive activity and well-being.

Using the MINDWATCH algorithm, researchers at NYU’s Tandon School of Engineering collected brain data from wearable devices such as wristbands or smartwatches and found that music, as well as coffee, produced strong signals that increased beta brainwave activity . In addition, the MINDWATCH algorithm offers the possibility of non-invasive monitoring of brain activity, potentially contributing to the development of personalized technologies to optimize cognitive functions.

In the study, the researchers induced various brain states using “harmless stimuli.” These stimuli included sounds, tastes, and smells. The study aimed to examine the stimulation of beta brain wave activity associated with optimal cognitive performance by these innocuous stimuli.

The researchers observed that the consumption of music and coffee was associated with a significant increase in the activity of beta brain waves. They also investigated the effect of perfume, which resulted in a decrease in beta-frequency intensity compared to baseline, but improved other cognitive measures.

One of the outstanding findings of this study is that the AI-generated music generated stronger beta-band signals than traditional music. “Music not only unites us with each other and lifts our mood, but is also a very good tool for the proper functioning of the brain,” said Dr. Bohdan Florya, chief neurologist, for

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Types of brain wave frequencies

Continuous oscillating electrical impulses in the brain are known as brain waves. There are five recognized rhythms, called “frequencies,” at which they range from minimum to maximum:

• Gamma waves — oscillate at a frequency of more than 35 hertz (Hz), that is, more than 35 times per second. Previous studies have linked them to a state of concentration;
• Beta waves — oscillate between 12 and 35 Hz and correlate with states of anxiety, attention, and mental activity;
• Alpha waves — have a frequency of 8 to 12 Hz and are associated with passive attention and relaxation;
• Theta waves — have a frequency of 4 to 8 Hz and are associated with deep relaxation and inner focus;
• Delta waves — occur during sleep and have a frequency of 0.5 to 4 Hz.

In this new study, researchers found different types of correlations between beta frequency intensity and individual cognitive abilities.

The authors emphasized that the results indicate the need for an individual understanding of brain wave patterns to interpret the results.

Influence of music, coffee and perfume on brain activity

The authors of the study exposed the participants to three harmless stimuli: coffee, music and perfume.

The results showed that different genres of music led to a consistent increase in beta-frequency activity. However, music created by artificial intelligence had the strongest effect.

Drinking coffee also led to a significant increase in beta brain waves, while smelling perfume reduced the frequency of beta radiation but improved other cognitive functions.

Effects produced by AI-generated music demonstrate that a safe stimulus such as music can be tuned to better stimulate beta-frequency activity.

“In this study, we used deep learning neural networks to create new music compositions based on each person’s music preferences. Our approach involved exposing participants to well-known and relaxing pieces of music to gauge their personal preferences,” explained Dr. Hamid Fekri Azgomi, lead study coordinator.

Participants were asked to express their preferences using examples from three musical categories: classical music, including works by Ludwig van Beethoven, Johann Sebastian Bach and Frédéric François Chopin; “fantasy music”, including songs from video games such as Final Fantasy and Mario; and jazz, featuring songs performed by Frank Sinatra and various jazz artists.

How the MINDWATCH algorithm works

Dr. Rose T. Fagih explained that MINDWATCH technology allows wearable devices to function as a brain-computer interface. The goal of this approach is to decipher internal brain states associated with cognitive stimulation and performance, allowing for the control and improvement of these cognitive states in the context of everyday activities.

Activation of the autonomic nervous system leads to microscopic changes in the triggering of sweat, causing changes in the skin’s electrical conductivity, aspects that can be measured with handheld devices, Dr. Faghih said. In the study, researchers used Empatica E4 wristbands and Muse headbands to capture and monitor participants’ brain waves.

Dr. Faghih expressed hope that in the future this non-invasive method of monitoring brain wave activity can improve mood and cognitive performance in a variety of contexts using non-invasive methods.

Dr. Faghih also noted that he is also considering the use of other safe stimuli, such as visuals with images of calming landscapes, meditation, light vibrations or tactile feedback, virtual reality technologies and experience with the therapeutic robot PARO.

“Ultimately, MINDWATCH aims to facilitate real-time regulation of cognitive functions and performance to improve them in a personalized way,” said the doctor (Photo Source: Dreamstime.com).