Curating Irresistible Content: The Neurobiology of the Arts
THE CHALLENGE: To provide a fresh approach to featuring research and clinical care at Harvard Medical School and its affiliated institutions
THE SOLUTION: Why are blind musicians more likely to have perfect pitch than their sighted counterparts? What would compel someone to scribble compulsively down the length of her arm, even while driving? And what makes Mona Lisa’s smile so elusive?
When I noticed Harvard Medical School faculty members delving into a range of such inquiries, I was inspired to capture the richness of their findings in a special report on the neurobiology of the arts. I distilled the lead article, “Light Vision,” from a book a professor had written on how our visual processing systems affect our perceptions of art. I interviewed a neurologist who had suffered firsthand the writing disorder she treated in her patients. I solicited an essay from a physician who prescribed poetry to his patients, and I asked a colleague to profile several neuroscientists dedicated to understanding the brain’s astonishing natural wiring for music. The resultant issue showcased the talent, passion, and compassion of the school’s faculty.
THE RESPONSE: Readers were lavish in their praise of the issue. “My husband and I are fighting over the neurobiology issue,” one alumna wrote. “The beast won today and ran off with it to work!”
The issue was also one of two that led to the magazine’s being named the Robert Sibley Magazine of the Year Award, also known as a Grand Gold Medal from the Council for Advancement and Support of Education. CASE judges also gave the issue a gold medal in the Special Interest Magazines category and a silver medal in the Periodical Special Issues category. In addition, the issue received a gold medal Eddie Award in the Healthcare/Medical Category from Folio: Magazine and a Clarion Award in the Best Overall External Magazine category from the Association for Women in Communication.
