Scientific Area

Institut Marquès is carrying out an important line of research on music effects at the beginning of life, a study about how music impacts on embryonic and fetal development.

We have developed a pioneering and innovative project to improve in vitro fertilization by incorporating music in all embryos incubators. Through this system, in our laboratories embryos are exposed to micro musical vibrations 24 hours a day. According to our study – “Impact of exposure to music during in vitro culture on embryo development” – oocytes cultivated with music improves their fertilization rate around 5%.

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Currently we study how music, through endometrial stimulation, improves implantation rate and reduces abortion rate.

Our latest research, focus on the intravaginally transmitted music, was published on the scientific journal Ultrasound, where has become the most read article. The clinical essay, entitled “Fetal facial expression in response to intravaginal music emission” has allowed us to demonstrate that fetuses can hear from week 16 (when the fetus only measures 11cm) and also that fetuses respond with vocal movements only when music is broadcast through mother’s vagina.

We presented and explained the conclusions of the study at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Dr. Marisa López-Teijón has been awarded the Ig Nobel Prize for Medicine, the first one in Obstetrics in the 27-year history of the award. The Ig Nobel ceremony is held at the Harvard University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology, hosting prestigious scientists from around the world to present their studies to the public in a fun and enjoyable way.

Music and fetal stimulation
Music and IVF

Courses for professionals

Institut Marquès offers training courses for professionals. These are practical and personalised sessions on the latest laboratory techniques in analysis and embryonic medicine aimed primarily at biologists. These courses can be taught in Spanish and English.