Researchers at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston used Aplysia californica sea snails to test an innovative learning strategy that improved memory in the brain. The study identified optimal times for learning and showed a significant increase in memory when sessions were scheduled during these peak periods.
Researchers are conducting a study to examine the effects of exercise and computerized memory training on executive function in people with Parkinson's disease. The goal is to determine if these interventions can slow or reverse memory changes and improve cognitive function.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine developed a memory-enhancing drug by inhibiting PKR activity, which boosts excitability and enhances learning and memory. In mice, PKR inhibition led to increased synaptic activity caused by gamma interferon, mimicking the effect of a 'memory pill'.
Engineering researchers have successfully watched a ferroelectric memory bit switch between 0 and 1 states in real time. The breakthrough discovery offers greater storage capacity, faster write speed, and longer lifetimes than current memory designs.
A 22-year-old woman with amnesia demonstrated that her short-term memory is impaired when trying to recall new information. However, she showed no difficulty recalling familiar faces or words.
A new study investigates how age-related stereotypes influence memory performance in older adults. Researchers found that older adults are more likely to falsely recall unrepresented words due to implicit beliefs about their age. However, by reducing the influence of negative stereotypes, memory performance can be improved.
A KAIST research team has developed a fully functional flexible non-volatile resistive random access memory (RRAM) that can be randomly accessed, written, and erased on a plastic substrate. This breakthrough overcomes cell-to-cell interference issues by integrating a memristor with high-performance silicon transistors.
A team of Pitt researchers has successfully developed a new memory technology that combines fast retrieval with large storage space, drastically reducing power consumption. The innovation leads to an eight-fold reduction in power cost, making it possible for data centers to store massive amounts of data while minimizing energy usage.
Researchers at UC San Diego used functional magnetic resonance imaging to assess how memories are formed and compared recollected and familiar items. The data showed that the hippocampus is actively involved in both strong recollections and familiarities, challenging earlier assumptions about their separate functions.
A study from Arizona State University found that the hormone medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) in Depo Provera shots impairs memory in rodents. The researchers also measured GABA's impact on brain function, which may contribute to memory loss.
Researchers at Purdue University have developed a new type of computer memory called FeTRAM, which combines silicon nanowires with a ferroelectric polymer. This technology has the potential to use 99% less energy than flash memory and may be faster than SRAM.
Researchers at NASA developed a flexible memory fabric that can retain information for over 100 days, using copper-oxide fibers as the storage medium. The technology enables e-textiles to detect biomarkers, monitor vital signs, and transmit data to doctors.
Researchers found that memory complaints in older adults are associated with poorer cognitive functioning. The study suggests clinicians should differentiate between types of memory complaints to identify those related to normal aging versus potential cognitive decline.
A new study found that people's 'no' responses can reveal hidden memories, suggesting everything we see may make its way into our memory
Researchers found that short-term and long-term motor memory compete against each other, with switching between tasks improving retention. USC scientists' discovery could lead to optimized computer programs for stroke patient rehabilitation.
UCI researchers found that hormonal contraceptives improve women's ability to remember the gist of an emotional event, but not the details. This discovery may help explain why women experience post-traumatic stress syndrome more frequently than men.
Researcher Charles Weaver challenges the notion of 'flashbulb memory' as accurate recollections of significant events like 9/11. His findings show that memories are shaped and lost over time, influenced by media accounts and social interactions.
A new study from Iowa State University found that social partners can help extend memory in middle-aged couples by filling in memory gaps. However, this collaboration is not as effective for older couples, who may struggle with unreliable partner memories.
A new UCLA study found that a six-week memory fitness program improved verbal memory and reduced age-related memory decline in seniors over 80. The program included education on lifestyle factors impacting memory ability and overall brain health, resulting in enhanced self-perceived memory and cognitive function.
A case study published in Cortex reveals that severe damage to the hippocampus resulting from lack of oxygen in infancy can hinder episodic memory recall. In contrast, semantic memory remains intact, supporting the theory that different areas of the brain are responsible for distinct types of memory.
A small amount of exercise has been shown to prevent exaggerated inflammation in the brain and long-lasting memory impairments following a bacterial infection. This study suggests that voluntary exercise can confer robust benefits for those who exercised, especially for older adults at risk of memory loss.
Researchers at NYU's Center for Neural Science have identified the hippocampus and perirhinal cortex as crucial brain areas involved in integrating 'what' and 'when' information. This discovery enhances our understanding of how memories are processed and may lead to new approaches for addressing memory-related disorders.
Researchers have discovered that innate immune cells can form a type of 'memory' that protects against viral infections. This finding has significant implications for the design of future vaccines, particularly for HIV. The study found that natural killer cells can recognize and respond to viruses more effectively after previous exposure.
A recent national survey found that many Americans hold incorrect beliefs about memory, diverging from scientific research. These misconceptions can impact legal proceedings and everyday life.
Researchers found that organic memory transistors retain their on/off states over a wider voltage range when heated, despite initial decreases in memory window. This temperature-dependent behavior could be useful for applications such as temperature sensing.
Researchers used optogenetics to fragment sleep in mice, finding that minimal uninterrupted sleep is crucial for memory consolidation. The study suggests that compromised sleep continuity, such as in sleep disorders like apnea, may contribute to memory impairments.
Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a soft memory device that functions well in wet environments, similar to the human brain. The device has biocompatibility and holds promise for interfacing electronics with biological systems, such as cells or tissue.
Research suggests that students who experience frequent drink-fueled memory blackouts are at a higher risk of sustaining an injury while under the influence. The study analyzed data from over 800 undergraduates and found that those with six or more memory blackouts were almost three times as likely to sustain an injury.
Researchers develop a way to duplicate the neural mechanism of learning in rats, restoring memory function. The team's artificial hippocampal system can strengthen internal brain memory and enhance cognitive processes, paving the way for potential treatments for Alzheimer's disease and other neurological disorders.
Researchers found that successful testing improves memory performance in all three types of memory: cue, target, and associative. The study suggests that repeated retrieval practice boosts memory, regardless of the type of memory being tested.
A new phase-change memory-based 'Moneta' system offers unprecedented performance, with read speeds up to seven times faster than current SSDs. The device uses PCM technology to store data in a metal alloy, providing lower latency and reduced energy requirements for high-performance computing applications.
A new study by NIST and George Mason University researchers may have found the optimal characteristics for a type of computer memory based on nanowires. The technology has the potential to store information faster and at lower voltage, making it suitable for applications such as portable computers and cell phones.
A cognitive psychologist urges memory researchers to consider the complexity of human memory, arguing that simple experimental tasks can oversimplify its nature. He highlights the importance of involuntary reminding, which creates a coherent record of our interactions with the environment.
Researchers at Penn have found that sleep deprivation affects the hippocampus, a part of the brain associated with memory function. The study identified adenosine as the source of memory loss and attention deficits caused by sleep deprivation.
New non-volatile main memory technology poses security risks, but NC State researchers have developed a solution using i-NVMM with incremental encryption. The system protects 78% of main memory during typical operation, slowing performance by only 3.7%. This makes i-NVMM more secure than conventional DRAM.
A new study published in Neurology suggests that more than half of people diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease before age 60 are initially misdiagnosed due to atypical symptoms. Researchers found that 53% of those with no memory problems were incorrectly diagnosed, highlighting the need for biomarkers to improve diagnosis and treatment.
A study of 122 Spanish university students found a clear association between binge drinking and poorer verbal declarative memory, even after controlling for other confounding variables. The research suggests that heavy episodic drinking may affect the brain's hippocampus, leading to impaired learning and memory abilities.
A Concordia University study reveals that a cluttered brain can hinder memory, with older individuals struggling to recall and process information. The research suggests that reducing mental clutter and engaging in mentally stimulating activities may help improve memory and cognitive function.
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute identified a change in calcium influx into specific brain neurons that is fundamental to long-term memory. This increase, known as a memory trace, is observed in normal fruit flies but absent in mutants with impaired long-term memory.
Researchers at UCSF found that older adults have difficulty switching between tasks due to brain network inefficiencies, affecting working memory and multitasking abilities. The study suggests that attention and memory interaction plays a crucial role in this process.
A recent study by the University of Edinburgh has shed light on how older people experience memory loss, revealing a stress hormone receptor's role in this process. The research found that high levels of cortisol, a stress hormone, activate brain processes contributing to memory impairment.
Researchers at the University of Missouri found that being in a good mood decreases working memory capacity. Participants who watched a comedy routine showed improved moods but struggled with memory recall, highlighting the negative impact of positive mood on working memory storage.
Researchers at the University of Edinburgh have developed a tiny device that improves on existing forms of memory storage by using a mechanical arm to translate data into electrical signals. This allows for much faster operation and reduced energy consumption compared to conventional methods.
A new study finds that our memories are affected by how we process information emotionally, rather than just the amount of study. Automatic processing biases lead to incorrect predictions about memory performance.
University of Illinois engineers develop ultra-low-power digital memory that uses 100 times less energy than similar available memory, potentially extending battery life for mobile devices. The new technology could enable future portable devices to run longer on lighter batteries.
Cornell researchers have discovered a new method for measuring current-induced torques in nonvolatile magnetic memory devices, which can write information without using magnetic fields. This breakthrough aims to improve the efficiency of these devices by reducing the need for large currents and thick wires.
A survey of patients with epilepsy found that they ranked memory loss as their second-most important concern, while doctors ranked it 12th. Practitioners were more concerned about unexpected seizures, which was also the top concern for both groups.
Researchers found that older adults rely on implicit memory, which influences behavior without awareness, while younger adults use explicit memory. This discovery has implications for age-specific marketing and learning strategies, as well as our understanding of cognitive decline with age.
A research study published in Nature found that IGF-II protein increases in the brain of rats after a learning session, reinforcing memory and preventing forgetfulness. The protein is essential for memory formation and consolidation, making it a potential target for therapies enhancing cognitive function.
A study published in Neurology found that older people with metabolic syndrome are 20% more likely to experience cognitive decline on memory tests. Higher triglycerides and low HDL cholesterol were linked to poorer memory scores.
Researchers found that inhibiting protein synthesis affects memory consolidation, but not reconsolidation. This discovery highlights the challenges in understanding and addressing memory-related disorders like PTSD.
A naturally occurring growth factor called IGF-II has been found to enhance retention and prevent forgetting of fear memories in rats. The study suggests that IGF-II could become a potential drug target for boosting memory, with the potential to address clinical problems such as post-traumatic stress disorder.
Mount Sinai researchers have identified insulin-like growth factor II (IGF-II) as a potential therapeutic target for enhancing long-term memory and preventing its loss. IGF-II, a gene expressed during brain development that declines with aging, was found to improve long-term memory in rats by promoting stable LTP.
Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a new device that can perform both volatile and nonvolatile memory operations. This technology could allow computers to start more quickly and reduce power consumption in server farms.
Researchers incorporated nanocrystals of iridium into flash memory designs, demonstrating excellent memory properties and thermal stability. Iridium's high work function and melting point make it an attractive option for improving nonvolatile memory with enhanced trapping ability.
Researchers at UCLA are developing spin-transfer torque magnetoresistive random access memory (STT-RAM) with great potential over current memory technologies. The technology has achieved densities comparable to dynamic random access memory and speeds comparable to static random access memory.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge found that brain disruptions cause confusion between memories, leading to false remembering. This insight could lead to new treatments reducing memory confusion and improving daily functioning for patients.
Researchers at the University of Oregon found that a person's ability to store more items in their short-term memory is linked to higher fluid intelligence as measured by IQ tests. In contrast, the clarity or resolution of those memories shows no relationship with fluid intelligence.
Scientists discovered that increasing EphB2 levels can fix memory problems caused by amyloid proteins in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. The study found that blocking amyloid proteins from binding to EphB2 and enhancing its functions may be beneficial for AD treatment.
Dr. Mortimer Mishkin, chief of NIMH's Section on Cognitive Neuroscience, is the first NIMH intramural scientist to receive the National Medal of Science for his pioneering work on brain processing and memory. His research has greatly advanced our understanding of how learning and memory are processed in the primate brain.