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AROUND THE WORLD 1: Key to Instruments Longevity Discovered

Joseph Nagyvary and his team of U.S. researchers claim to have found the secret behind Stradivari's success. The researchers believe that the renowned violins were treated chemically, resulting in their superb quality.

Antonio Stradivari was an Italian luthier in the 17th century. He made violins, violas, cellos and guitars.

Nagyvary's team tested the wood shavings from five of Stradivari's instruments and found that the wood was treated to protect from fungi and woodworm.

"In two of the instruments that are supposed to be acoustical marvels ... the wood was brutally treated by chemicals," Nagyvary said. The Texas A&M researchers have yet to determine what agents were used to treat the instruments.

--Written by Teresa Liao

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