Sonic Commentary Audio Series Volume 28

Abstract

The Music of the Love Hormone – Oxytocin represents the challenge to translate biological form (science) into musical form (art). Using a specially developed methodology, we linked the two sides affecting human emotions: hormones, from the inside (science), and music, from the outside (art). DNA codes the proteins, such as hormones, via four letters (nucleic acids) forming three-letter words (codons). Each codon sets one amino acid from the protein’s structure. We have developed an original algorithm in which each codon of DNA represents a certain note. The length of the note is determined by the time needed for the ribosome (cell organelle, producing proteins) to add the corresponding amino acid to the structure of the protein. In this way, the sequence of musical notes is mapped onto the DNA code, and the threedimensional structure of the protein determines the music tempo. The objective of this investigation is to present the properties and the impact of one of the most important human hormones: oxytocin, a hormone called “the love hormone.” Oxytocin is produced in the brain, in the hypothalamus, and is involved in social recognition, maternal affection, and possibly in the formation of empathy and trust between people. As a result, we generated a complete, extremely provocative musical work. In order to verify the accuracy of the musical interpretation, a neurological test was performed and the neurological impact of the hormone and its music was investigated. The preliminary results of this study are presented in this issue [1]. The developed methodology is innovative and creates bridges between art and science knowledge: Physics, genetics, molecular interactions, human physiology, neurology, biofeedback and neuroaesthetics are correlated with music theory and human perception, aiming to get one step further in the development of a “complete mind.” The Music of the Love Hormone – Oxytocin started as an initiative of Art & Science Research Foundation “Re:” in 2014 in Sofia, Bulgaria, fulfilling the challenge to translate biological form into musical form. It is a result of the collaborative work of a cross-disciplinary research team specially assembled as follows: Tsvetana Ivanova, art and science project director; Rositza Marinova, PhD physics student; Todor Ivanov, physicist and algorithm developer; Leandar Litov, physicist; Agnieshka Deynovitch, biofeedback; Mihail Iossifov, composer and musician; and external experts: Dimitar Kolev, neurologist, and Elena Lilkova, computer simulations and 3D structure of the oxytocin receptor. The composer Mihail Yossifov underwent in-depth scientific training about the genetic structure and principles and corresponding 3D structures and intermolecular behavior of the hormone, from its birth and its transportation to the receptor, along with its neuropsychological properties. After internalizing all this knowledge about the invisible nature of this most important human hormone, he had to translate its structure and development processes reference to the laws of music. The composition follows the precise timing and dynamics of the natural laws revealed by the respective scientific disciplines and integrates them into an original art and science composition.