Research conducted by Kamini Sehrawat and Professor Israel Nelken at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem has uncovered fascinating insights into how early auditory experiences shape brain development in male and female mice. By exposing young mice to the first movement of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9, the researchers explored the nuanced ways that sound influences sensory preferences based on sex. Their findings, published in Cell Reports, reveal significant differences in how male and female mice respond to auditory stimuli throughout their development.
The study demonstrates that male and female mice are affected differently by similar auditory experiences. Male mice exposed to silence or artificial sounds tended to avoid musical environments as adults. In contrast, those raised with Beethoven’s composition exhibited more varied musical preferences, with a notable number developing a fondness for music. Female mice, however, showed less influence from their early sonic experiences, resulting in mixed preferences.
Interestingly, the research found a correlation between the level of neural activity in the auditory cortex and musical preference in female mice. Increased activity was associated with a reduced liking for music. For male mice, this connection was either weak or absent. Sehrawat stated, “These results suggest that early sound exposure affects males and females in fundamentally different ways.” This highlights the potential implications of auditory experiences on emotional and cognitive development.
Professor Nelken emphasized the significance of their findings, noting, “Our findings in mice intriguingly suggest that sound preferences rely on mechanisms that operate differently in males and females.” This research not only sheds light on sensory development but also raises questions about how early experiences can shape preferences and behaviors across different species.
The use of Beethoven’s symphony in the study provided a structured sound environment that engaged the full spectrum of the mouse hearing range. Yet, the implications extend beyond the laboratory. The results suggest that the same auditory experience can evoke differing responses depending on the listener’s sex, a revelation that could influence future studies on sensory processing.
As researchers continue to explore the intricacies of brain development influenced by sound, understanding these gender differences may offer valuable insights into how early experiences shape cognitive and emotional growth in humans as well. The study underscores the importance of considering sex as a variable in neuroscience research, paving the way for more tailored approaches in understanding sensory preferences.
More information can be found in the study by Kamini Sehrawat et al., titled “Sound preferences in mice are sex dependent,” published in Cell Reports (2025). DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2025.116454.
