Who hasn't felt the urge to sing in the shower, to chime in on the chorus of their favourite tune or belt out an anthem at a sporting event? Melodies ring out at every important human activity - from romancing mates to soothing babies, from worshipping to mourning, celebrating to protesting. What triggers this response in humans? Are we hardwired for music? Addicted to rhythm? What power does music have over our bodies and our brains? Scientists have only recently begun to seriously examine how and why music has such a profound impact on us.

Originally released by Network Ireland Television, 2016. Streaming video file encoded with permission for digital streaming by Infobase on June 15, 2023.