Vocal

The Chicks have rescheduled a trio of performance dates after pulling out of an Indiana show on Sunday less than 30 minutes into their set.The country-music trio began their set at the Ruoff Music Center in the Indianapolis suburbs of Noblesville at 7:30 p.m. on Sunday but abruptly backed out when lead singer Natalie Maines appeared to have vocal issues. According to concert footage posted on Twitter, Maines addressed the crowd while attempting to sing one more song.“Waiting for the shot to kick in — not a shot of…

We humans like to think our mastery of language sets us apart from the communication abilities of other animals, but an eye-opening new analysis of chimpanzees might force a rethink on just how unique our powers of speech really are.  In a new study, researchers analyzed almost 5,000 recordings of wild adult chimpanzee calls in Taï National Park in Côte d'Ivoire (aka Ivory Coast).When they examined the structure of the calls captured on the recordings, they were surprised to find 390 unique vocal sequences – much like…

According to neuroscientists, new research suggests that a specific gene commonly associated with Parkinson’s may be behind vocal-related symptoms that are typical of the disease. This finding could help lead to earlier diagnoses and treatments for Parkinson’s patients.Neuroscientists found that higher levels of the alpha-synuclein protein in the brain can lead to changes in vocal production.Parkinson’s disease is likely best known for its movement-related symptoms, particularly tremors and stiffness.However, the disease…