Study Reveals Genetic Links Between Musical Rhythm and Human Language

New research identifies shared genetic and neurobiological foundations, offering insights into the evolution of communication and musicality.

A study published in *Nature Human Behaviour* found significant genetic overlaps between musical rhythm skills and language abilities, including traits like dyslexia.
Researchers analyzed genetic data from over 1 million individuals, identifying 16 genomic regions shared between rhythm and language traits.
The study highlighted a connection between rhythm impairments and dyslexia, as well as links between strong rhythm skills and higher language performance.
Key findings suggest shared genetic variants influence neural connectivity, particularly involving brain cells like oligodendrocytes, which support healthy neural circuits.
Potential applications include personalized treatments for rhythm-related and language impairments based on genetic predispositions.