Roger Waters’ Unexpected Role in Technion Brain Activity Studies

In an unexpected twist of science and culture, Israeli researchers at the Technion have used the deep, rhythmic tones of Pink Floyd’s “Another Brick in the Wall” to unlock new insights into brain activity and potential treatments for neurological disorders. The irony? The music comes from Roger Waters a vocal anti-Israel activist and supporter of the BDS movement.

Led by Prof. Avi Schroeder and Dr. Patricia Mora-Raimundo, the research team exposed both human volunteers and lab mice to various musical frequencies, measuring their brain responses. Among the tracks tested, Pink Floyd’s classic stood out. The low-frequency bass lines triggered vibrations in brain cells, increased activity in specific regions, and even prompted the release of proteins that signal cellular stimulation.

What makes this discovery more than a musical curiosity is its potential application in medicine. One of the most significant barriers in treating diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s is the blood-brain barrier a protective membrane that blocks harmful substances but also prevents most medications from reaching the brain.

The team explored whether sound could enhance the brain’s receptivity to treatments. Their solution? Lipid nanoparticles microscopic carriers already used in genetic therapies combined with sonic stimulation. When the brain was exposed to Pink Floyd’s deep tones, these nanoparticles were absorbed at up to 10 times the normal rate.

Prof. Schroeder likened the effect to the thump of bass in a dance hall. “That’s what’s happening in the brain,” he said. “These low frequencies cause brain cells to vibrate, and that mechanical motion appears to open them to drug delivery.”

Published in the Journal of Controlled Release, the study highlights how low-frequency sound might one day help deliver treatments with greater precision targeting exactly the cells that need healing while minimizing side effects elsewhere in the brain.

Though Waters himself may not approve, his iconic sound is now helping Israeli scientists pursue solutions to some of the most challenging neurological diseases.

As Prof. Schroeder put it, “There’s poetic justice in this using the music of a critic to fuel healing and innovation in Israel.” Share this article or subscribe to our newsletter for updates.