Science

"music

is

the

wallpaper

"music

is

the

wallpaper

of our mind”

of our mind”

Jamie Wheal

Jamie Wheal

We ran a study in our lab ​​combining functional soundscapes and fragrances and here’s what we found. We captured various biomarkers including brain activity, respiration rate, heart rate variability, and arousal.

  • NEUROLOGICAL PATHWAYS

    Olfactory and auditory stimuli are both processed in various brain regions before being integrated into a cohesive experience. The olfactory signals pass through the olfactory bulb and connect to areas like the amygdala and hippocampus, which are associated with emotions and memory. Auditory signals are processed through the auditory cortex, and they also have connections to emotional and cognitive centres. By activating both systems simultaneously, we activate emotional and cognitive centres more effectively than if we only stimulated one at a time.

  • NEURAL SYNCHRONISATION

    Recent research suggests that sensory synchronisation, where different sensory inputs are harmonised, can lead to neural synchronisation in the brain. This synchronisation is associated with improved cognitive performance, mood regulation, and a sense of well-being. The combination of scents and sounds can potentially enhance this neural synchronisation, contributing to a more balanced mental state.

  • STATE OF MIND ENHANCEMENT

    When olfactory and auditory stimuli are synchronised or congruent, they can influence an individual's state of mind and overall well-being. The combined effect of these sensory inputs can promote stress reduction and relaxation.

    Using the Others scent in conjunction with the app places the brain into a state receptive to new information and insights, which directly promotes development and the improvement of wellbeing.

Red Skies

Our study showed that Red Skies and its paired soundscape  invigorate the mind and body as follows:

84%

of subjects got into a more focused state.

Image

84%

of subjects got into a more focused state.

MENTAL LEVEL

Brain data show an increase in EEG frontal beta activity - an indication that subjects are invigorated and sharp - specifically this is related to attention and focus.

PHYSICAL LEVEL

There is an increase in arousal - an activation of the sympathetic nervous system. Additionally, we noticed an increase in Respiration and Heart rates indicative of the body’s alterness and readiness for action. 

Mystic Zingaro

Our study showed that Mystic Zingaro and its paired soundscape relax the mind and body as follows:

90%

of subjects got into a more meditative state.

Image

90%

of subjects got into a more meditative state.

MENTAL LEVEL

Brain data shows an increase in EEG theta activity (associated with meditative states) as well as an increase in emotional engagement (alpha frontal asymmetry) associated with the user enjoying the stimuli . This indicates that subjects are in a dual state - whilst keeping a good state of focus and sharpness, they also manage to be mentally relaxed.

PHYSICAL LEVEL

Subjects experience a decrease in arousal indicating the body is physically relaxed. Additionally, heart and breathing biomarkers have shown a significant decrease (increase in HRV) which further confirm our premise.

*Study conducted at White Mirror Lab, Lisbon, in 2021. With a total of 30 subjects.