The gods turned ordinary people into singers

The researchers found, a drug called valproate or valproic acid, could help people learn how to produce a voice with perfect pitch as a well-trained young singer.

Perfect pitch is a term that refers to the rare ability to identify or produce the pitch of a note without reference points. Experts believe that perfect pitch can be a genetic trait, must be nurtured through musical training from childhood, ideally at 5 years of age, otherwise difficult to be develope.

Young children are found to have unusually high " neurotransmitter ", which helps them learn languages ​​and other skills, including playing instruments, much easier than adults. However, a new study of perfect elevation reveals that neuroplasticity is not necessarily the door closed after childhood, and the drug valproate will help to open the door. That door.

Only a few highly trained, professional artists achieve perfect pitch.(Photo: Shutterstock)

Valproate belongs to a class of drugs called histone deacetylase inhibitors . Launched with a variety of commercial brands, but in general, valproate has been used for many years to treat migraines, epilepsy and mood disorders, including bipolar disorder. pole. However, this drug is recommended not to be used by pregnant women because it can reduce IQ and cause other developmental problems in their children.

In order to test the hypothesis that substances that affect intelligence can improve neuroplasticity, researchers selected volunteer men between the ages of 18 and 27, and gave them placebo or valproate for 2 weeks. All volunteers have little or no training in music before, but are basically guided by pitches and some other musical concepts.

After 2 weeks, all subjects were asked to identify different elevations. Those who took valproate learned how to identify perfect pitch and score much higher than those taking placebo.

"This is amazing because there are no records of adults reaching perfect pitch," said Takao K. Hensch, professor of molecular and cellular biology at Harvard University (USA) and is the co-author of the study. Mr. Hensch and his colleagues believe that valproate can also help users increase the level of perfection of their inherent vocals.