The sound of birds may help reduce anxiety and depression

Posted on 04/03/2025

Listening to birdsong has positive effects on our psychological health, reducing anxiety and depression. On the contrary, city noise increases stress and worsens mood

In recent years, numerous studies have highlighted the connection between nature and mental well-being. A recent study conducted by the Max Planck Institute has revealed that birdsong can have positive effects on psychological health, helping to reduce anxiety, depression, and even paranoia.

The study involved 295 participants who were exposed to different auditory stimuli for six minutes: varying levels of traffic noise and birdsong with different degrees of diversity. The results showed that natural sounds, particularly the chirping of multiple bird species, had a positive impact on emotional states, alleviating symptoms of psychological distress. In contrast, exposure to urban noise had the opposite effect, increasing stress levels and worsening mood.

One of the most interesting aspects of the research was the role of diversity in birdsong. Participants who listened to more varied melodies, consisting of eight different bird species, reported a significant reduction in depressive symptoms, anxiety, and paranoia. Even those who listened to fewer bird songs, from only two species, still experienced psychological benefits.

Nature sounds activate brain mechanisms linked to relaxation and well-being

A second study, led by King’s College London, confirmed these positive effects, suggesting that brief exposure to nature sounds, even through the use of headphones, can activate brain mechanisms associated with relaxation and well-being. Ryan Hammoud, one of the researchers involved, described this discovery as particularly significant due to its potential impact on the treatment and prevention of stress-related disorders.

These studies emphasize the importance of natural environments for emotional balance and suggest that incorporating birdsong into daily life could be a simple yet effective way to enhance mood. For those living in urban settings, listening to recordings of natural sounds—if direct immersion in nature is not possible—could serve as a useful strategy to reduce stress and promote mental well-being.

In an increasingly fast-paced and noisy world, reconnecting with nature, even through sound alone, may be a key to improving quality of life and alleviating the burden of negative emotions.

The article draws upon studies published and recommendations from international institutions and/or experts. We do not make claims in the medical-scientific field and report the facts as they are. Sources are indicated at the end of each article.

How nanoplastics reached the Alps: a hidden threat

Nanoplastics, microscopic particles of plastic, have been detected on Alpine glaciers thanks to a collaboration between UFZ researchers and mountaineers. The study highlights the risks to human health and the environment, and possible sources of contamination

@Zoe Sale

These minute pieces of plastic, created due to degradation of bulk plastic waste, have been discovered on Alpine glaciers by an international team of scientists from UFZ (Helmholtz Center for Environmental Research) and a mountaineer team.

Nanoplastics are hazardous to the environment as well as human health since after ingestion or inhalation, they find their way into the bloodstream and organs.

“Nanoplastics are especially worrying because, unlike microplastics, they are not filtered,” said lead researcher Dušan Materić.

Expedition to high altitude

Snow and ice sampling at high altitudes is a sensitive and risky process. That is why UFZ researchers joined forces with a experienced team of mountaineers who took the historic High Level Route from Chamonix to Zermatt, taking samples at 14 distant points along the route.

“For researchers, access to such areas is generally too complex and too risky,” said the study’s lead author, Leonie Jurkschat.

From tires to the Atlantic: the source of nanoplastics

Analysis of the samples revealed the presence of various nanoplastics such as polyethylene (PE), polystyrene (PS), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET), which were primarily found to have their origin in tire wear and the ocean.

“There is a lot of macro and microplastic in the ocean,” Materić explained. “This breaks down into nanoplastics, which are agitated by waves and bubble bursts, and find their way into the atmosphere.” To everyone’s surprise, over 50% of the nanoplastics on the Alpine glaciers came from the Atlantic Ocean, carried by the wind.

A global problem

The study of Alpine glaciers is just the tip of the iceberg. The Citizen Science GAPS 2024 project, led by Materić, will collect ice samples from all over the world to investigate the nanoplastic distribution.

“We want to find out how nanoplastics get to remote regions far from cities and industrial areas,” Materić explained.

Nanoplastic contamination of mountains is a global issue, not only in the Alps but in all mountain ranges worldwide. They are capable of wind transportation over extended distances, including far and remote areas with unspoiled landscapes. When deposited on ice or snow, they can penetrate into the ground and contaminate water sources and thereby harm flora and fauna.

Resolving the problem of nanoplastics in mountain ecosystems must be tackled on many fronts. First is to reduce plastic consumption and production and promote sustainable alternatives. Second is to raise public consciousness of the risk of nanoplastics and of the importance of protecting mountain ecosystems.

Besides, investing in scientific research is also important to better understand the effect of nanoplastics on human health and the environment and develop new technologies to remove the particles from ecosystems.