Articles tagged with Memory Formation
A new study has discovered that as brains mature, the precise ways in which two key memory regions communicate make us better at forming lasting memories. The findings also suggest how brains learn to multitask with age, with slower oscillations in older participants and faster oscillations in younger ones.
Researchers at OIST used advanced imaging to record signaling within single astrocytes, revealing ultra-fast signals on par with neurons and patterns of activity corresponding to different behaviors. The findings suggest that astrocytes may store memories as 'fingerprints' in specific areas, called hotspot maps.
Researchers suggest forgetting memories due to environmental feedback and predictability, rather than decay. This 'natural forgetting' can be beneficial for decision-making and behavior, and may even be reversible in certain circumstances.
Researchers develop system to image millions of brain cell connections in real-time, revealing key locations for learning and memory encoding. The new tool allows scientists to study synapse activity on a massive scale, with potential applications in understanding diseases such as Alzheimer's and autism.
Researchers at the University of Ottawa have made a breakthrough in reversing memory deficits and slowing disease progression in female mouse models of Alzheimer's disease. The study found that activating a specific receptor was effective in treating females, who make up two-thirds of diagnosed cases.
A study published in Frontiers in Psychology found that false information in both native and second languages equally contribute to the formation of false memories. The researchers used an online experiment with participants speaking Russian and English to assess the influence of misinformation and source misattribution on memory recall.
Researchers at Rice University have discovered a new mechanism by which prions can regulate protein synthesis in cells. The model proposes that prion aggregates and their monomers play a role in channeling RNA messages into new proteins, forming organized protein synthesis factories. This discovery has implications for our understandin...
Researchers at Virginia Tech explore mitochondrial differences in CA2 neurons, which encode social memories in the hippocampus. They found unique mitochondrial characteristics in individual neurons, influencing plasticity and behavior.
Research suggests that inhaling carbon dioxide after a traumatic event makes fearful memories more resilient in mice. The study found that CO2 exposure strengthens fearful memories by activating ASIC1A protein in the brain. This discovery might lead to new therapeutic strategies for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in humans.
Researchers at the University of California, Davis, have discovered brain activation in sleeping two-year-olds when played words they had previously learned. The study found activation in the hippocampus and anterior medial temporal lobe, indicating that these regions are crucial for laying down initial memories for words.
Scientists have discovered that reversing molecular message modification at synapses may contribute to reversible mental health conditions like anxiety and memory diseases such as dementia. The findings, published in Molecular Psychiatry, are a major step in understanding brain cell communication.
Researchers used functional MRI to image the hippocampus of volunteers learning and recalling short stories, finding that coherent memories are woven together. The study suggests the hippocampus brings pieces together across time to form connected, narrative memories.
A PLOS study found that low-frequency magnetic stimulation can improve episodic memory by reducing beta-waves in the brain. The study, led by Mircea van der Plas and Simon Hanslmayr, used slow rTMS over the left prefrontal cortex to enhance verbal memory formation.
Researchers from Ruhr-University Bochum explain how people construct memories of important events, influenced by positive or negative feelings, narrative self-image, and descriptive language. This process shapes memories to protect the positive self and mitigate negative memories that don't fit the self-image.
Researchers at NICT unraveled a neural correlate of Pavlovian conditioning, discovering that alteration in information processing by feeding command neurons governs behavioral change. The experimental system made possible real-time observation of cell-cell connection for memory formation.
Research suggests the hippocampus is necessary for remembering chronological relationships between visual stimuli, but not storing individual images. This finding could bring neuroscientists closer to understanding how the brain coordinates long-term visual memory.
A new study found that memory formation causes neurons to break their DNA, leading to changes in gene expression and potentially undermining brain health with age. The study also discovered that glia play a significant role in establishing memories from fear conditioning.
A recent study published in PNAS found that gut microbes that metabolize tryptophan secrete indoles, which stimulate the development of new brain cells in adults. This discovery highlights the importance of lifestyle factors and diet in supporting brain health.
Research reveals that saturated fatty acids play a key role in forming memories, particularly in the amygdala region of the brain. The study found that levels of myristic acid, found in coconut oil and butter, increased significantly as new memories were formed.
A study published in Nature Communications found that a drug called Osanetant reduces fear memory in male mice but increases it in female mice. The research reveals sex-based differences in the Tac2 neuronal circuit involved in fear memory formation.
A team of researchers from the University of Exeter and the University of Auckland made a significant discovery in how a single cell stores electrical patterns similar to memories. The study found that a single neuron can select between different patterns based on individual stimulus properties.
A study published in PLOS Biology found that different general anesthetics have varying effects on the brain's hippocampus, a region essential for memory formation. Isoflurane resulted in undisrupted memory formation in mice, while other anesthetics caused significant changes in brain activity and stability of synaptic connections.
Researchers at Tohoku University discovered that neuronal and glial circuits form a loosely coupled super-network within the brain. Activation of metabotropic glutamate receptors in neurons can be influenced by the state of glial cells, suggesting potential for artificial control to enhance memory function.
A recent study led by LSU Health researchers discovered a reciprocal interaction between GABA and endocannabinoids in the brain, which accelerates the breakdown of molecules regulating brain cell communication. This imbalance is linked to neurological disorders and may be targeted for therapy.
A study published in Neuron found that surprise during sports viewing leads to changes in brain patterns, particularly in the prefrontal cortex and pupil dilations. The researchers also discovered a link between dopamine-rich regions and increased activity when subjects' preferred teams scored.
Researchers have identified a new key player in long-term memory formation, the connection between mossy cells and granule cells in the hippocampus. This discovery sheds light on how new environments are processed and stored in the brain.
Researchers found that epigenomic modifications, specifically changes to chromatin structure, control the encoding and retrieval of memories. The study reveals a four-stage process where genes become activated and primed for expression during memory recall.
Research at the University of Bristol discovers a new mechanism for learning in the brain that stabilises memories and reduces interference. This breakthrough provides insight into how humans form expectations and make accurate predictions about future events.
Researchers at Rice University and UTHealth have discovered how a chameleon-like protein, CPEB3, interacts with actin filaments in neurons. This interaction enables the protein to adapt its binding sites to either SUMO or actin, allowing it to form long-lived aggregates that store memories.
Researchers found that when hippocampal neurons are already firing at high rates before seeing a word, participants are more successful in encoding and remembering the word later. This suggests that the hippocampus may have a specific mode for facilitating memory formation.
A new study reveals that the brain can update poorly formed memories with incorrect information, leading to inaccurate recall. The research suggests targeting updating mechanisms therapeutically to treat memory and anxiety disorders.
The ability to extinguish fearful memories relies on DNA flexibility, which enables rapid changes in gene activity and RNA editing. Researchers found that the enzyme ADAR1, which converts Z-DNA back into B-DNA, plays a critical role in fear extinction.
Researchers at the Centre for Genomic Regulation discovered that a type of kinesin called KIF3A/B transports mRNAs, enabling neurons to build their cellular skeleton and form new connections. This process is crucial for memory formation and storage, with mRNAs playing a key role in reinforcing synapses.
Researchers demonstrate that fear memory involves strengthening neural pathways between the hippocampus and amygdala, which can be erased by weakening these connections. This discovery provides potential therapeutic strategies to suppress maladaptive fear memories in post-traumatic stress disorder patients.
A study in mice reveals that new nerve insulation, myelin, plays a critical role in laying down long-lasting emotional memories. Increased myelin formation is necessary for the consolidation and maintenance of fear memories, which could lead to new treatments for post-traumatic stress disorder.
Researchers found that neurons in the hippocampus become more synchronized when a memory is formed, enabling animals to form and retrieve episodic knowledge. This finding provides clues for the development of future therapies for diseases like dementia, autism, and PTSD.
Focusing on neutral details of a scene can weaken later memories of a disturbing event, according to a new study. The findings could lead to the development of methods to increase psychological resilience in people who experience traumatic events.
Research finds that delta waves during sleep selectively activate specific neuron assemblies involved in long-term memory formation. These assemblies code information and send crucial signals between the hippocampus and cortex, allowing memories to stabilize.
New research from King's College London and The Open University discovered that old age affects memory modification by altering synaptic connections. This 'fixed' nature of memories formed in old age has implications for conditions like PTSD.
Neuroscientists at University of Birmingham demonstrate directional coupling between neocortex and hippocampus during episodic memory formation and retrieval. The study reveals a bidirectional flow of information, with distinct gamma frequencies contributing to encoding and retrieval.
A team of neuroscientists suggests that the sensation of a 'food coma' after eating may be linked to the formation of long-term memories. In a study on brain activity in Aplysia californica, sea slugs, researchers found that insulin-like molecules play a crucial role in both metabolic and neurotropic functions.
A study by UT Southwestern Medical Center has confirmed brain regions that encode behavioral-goal memories in songbirds. The researchers used optogenetics to implant these memories in zebra finches without tutoring, enabling them to learn syllables of their song. This discovery opens new avenues for research into identifying brain circ...
Researchers discovered novel brain circuits in the hippocampal formation play a critical role in object-location learning and memory. The study provides new insights into Alzheimer's disease, offering potential targets for treatment.
The study found that neuronal activation leaves lasting epigenetic changes, creating a genomic memory of past experiences. These changes can be detected days after initial activation and may contribute to the formation of memories.
A team of researchers has identified a tissue-specific non-coding RNA called NEAT1 that regulates memory formation in the hippocampus region of the brain. Increasing NEAT1 levels in younger mice impaired learning and memory, while decreasing NEAT1 levels improved cognitive function.
A new study has identified the PcG protein EED as a critical modulator of hippocampal development and function. The researchers found that EED is necessary for the proper formation of the dentate gyrus, a key region involved in learning and memory.
A pilot study found that transcranial magnetic stimulation temporarily increases activity in the brain's hippocampal-cortical network, leading to improved memory recall. The treatment showed temporary improvements in memory function compared to a placebo, with participants recalling memories 31% better after stimulation.
The study found that suppression of glutamatergic pyramidal neurons in the medial prefrontal cortex inhibits both acquisition and expression of cocaine-associated memories. In contrast, GABAergic neurons were not affected. This suggests that mPFC pyramidal neurons are a potential therapeutic target for treating drug addiction.
A team of scientists has discovered that the neuronal transport factor Staufen2 scans and binds to its target transcripts in a more complex manner than previously thought. This finding opens up new approaches to improve our understanding of RNA transport and synaptic plasticity, which is essential for memory and learning.
A recent NIH study suggests that taking short breaks can strengthen memories of new skills by solidifying them in the brain. Researchers found that volunteers' performance improved primarily during rest periods and not during practice, with gains correlating to changes in brain wave patterns.
Neuroscientists identify 'extinction neurons' in the hippocampus that suppress fearful memories, but can also lead to relapse when activated. This discovery may help explain why exposure therapy sometimes stops working and could lead to new treatment options.
The study reveals that the rapidity with which neurons fire off affects information processing in the brain. Neurons in the hippocampus use spike-timing-dependent plasticity (STDP) to learn and form memories, with precise timing determining the strength of connections between neurons.
A human neuroimaging study suggests that intentionally redirecting attention away from an unwanted experience during memory formation and suppressing its retrieval once formed can facilitate forgetting. The research provides evidence for a new link between voluntary control of visual attention and long-term memory fate.
A study published in Current Biology found that participants could reactivate associations formed between foreign words and their translations during a midday nap. The brain's active states supported the retrieval of these sleep-formed associations, suggesting that learning can occur independently of consciousness.
Researchers used electrocorticographic data from surgically implanted electrodes to investigate memory development in a cohort of 17 children and adolescents. The study found that earlier activity predicts greater memory accuracy, and sub-second deviations in activity flow between frontal subregions predict memory formation.
Researchers at MIT's Picower Institute discovered a mechanism the brain employs to make returning to a familiar context lead to vivid memories. The study found that brief re-exposure to the initial context increases the electrical excitability of 'engram cells,' which encode memory through specific neural connections.
Researchers at Scripps Research have discovered the physiological mechanism behind memory formation and forgetting in fruit flies. A single dopamine neuron is responsible for driving both learning and forgetting processes, reversing cellular changes made during learning to degrade older memories.
A new study in fruit flies reveals that just a few drinks of alcohol can change how memories are formed at the fundamental molecular level. The research found that alcohol hijacks a conserved memory pathway and changes the proteins expressed in neurons, forming cravings.
A Northwestern University study found that noninvasive brain stimulation improved the brain's ability to form new memories, with increased excitability lasting at least 24 hours. The research has implications for treating memory problems due to aging or brain damage.
Researchers found that experienced animals form memories using different plasticity mechanisms than naive subjects, suggesting the way our neurons form new connections depends on their prior history. Previously activated neurons were more excitable, making them capable of different kinds of plasticity.