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Selective amnesia: How rats and humans are able to forget distracting memories

Researchers found that rats possess the capacity for selective amnesia, using a similar brain mechanism as humans. By actively recalling memories, rats can selectively forget distracting experiences, improving memory efficiency but potentially leading to problems like witness forgetting in police interviews.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 7, 2018

How clear speech equates to clear memory

A study by University of Texas at Austin researchers found that listeners who heard sentences spoken in a clear style did better on memory recall tasks than those who heard them spoken in a conversational manner. The researchers suggest that clearly produced speech may be an efficient way to convey information and improve retention.

SourceAcoustical Society of America·DateNov 5, 2018

How we remember what we read

Researchers discovered brain regions deactivated during successful reading recall, suggesting a mechanism for filtering out irrelevant information and focusing on memory commitment. The findings provide new insight into natural reading processes and the neural basis of successful text encoding.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·JournaleNeuro·DateOct 22, 2018

Recalling memories in context

Studies using 64 and 28 participants revealed that recalling a target memory enhances retention of both the target and a linked object, with neural activity reinstated in parietal lobe regions. This suggests that retrieval may be an efficient method for memory enhancement.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 8, 2018
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

How the brain learns during sleep

Researchers found that brain activity patterns during sleep can reveal which memories are stored and which forgotten. The brain reactivates memory traces during certain sleep phases, especially when gamma band activity from deep processing is reactivated during ripples in the hippocampus, leading to later recall of images.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 5, 2018

Sleep research uncovers dire consequences to deprivation

Researchers at Michigan State University found that sleep-deprived individuals experienced a significant increase in errors during tasks requiring following directions and remembering sequence steps. Memory maintenance was the primary culprit behind these difficulties.

SourceMichigan State University·DateOct 2, 2018

For better multiple-choice tests, avoid tricky questions, study finds

Researchers recommend creating simple formats with limited answer options to enhance learning and recall. The study also advises engaging 'real-world' cognitive processes in test questions and avoiding 'none of the above' and 'all of the above' answer choices.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalJournal of Applied Research in Memory and Cognition·DateOct 2, 2018

Desert ants have an amazing odor memory

Researchers found that desert ants can learn multiple food odors in a short time and retain them throughout their lives. In contrast, they require repeated exposure to learn a single nest odor and may forget it quickly after removal from the nest. These findings suggest different memory processes for food and nest-related cues.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 24, 2018
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Sexual violence haunts women with vivid memories decades later

A new study published in Frontiers in Neuroscience found that women who experienced sexual violence have more intense and difficult-to-forget memories than those who did not. The research also highlights the challenges of recovery from trauma and the importance of prevention and justice for survivors.

SourceRutgers University·JournalFrontiers in Neuroscience·DateSep 5, 2018
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Researchers test autobiographical memory for early Alzheimer's detection

A study from the University of Arizona found that individuals with the APOE e4 gene variant who carry it described memories with less vivid detail than those without it. The researchers hope to develop a clinical test sensitive enough to detect preclinical brain changes of Alzheimer's disease.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalJournal of the International Neuropsychological Society·DateAug 23, 2018

Psychologists find that acting is the key to remembering tasks

Researchers found that 'acting out' scenarios can improve prospective memory, a skill that reminds people to take action in the future. The study suggests that this technique may support individuals with mild cognitive impairment, leading to safer, more independent living.

SourceUniversity of Chichester·JournalNeuropsychology·DateAug 2, 2018

Map of a billion brain links reveals clues about how we think

Researchers created a map of over a billion brain cell connections to understand how memories are formed and recalled. The study revealed diverse patterns of synapses that may be key to recalling information, potentially helping scientists understand memory problems.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalNeuron·DateAug 2, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Study: Prayer makes families connected, unified and bonded with less relational tension

A recent study by Brigham Young University found that family prayer has a positive impact on family relationships, reducing relational tension and increasing feelings of connectedness. The research involved 198 Christian, Jewish, and Muslim families from diverse backgrounds who shared their experiences of praying together as a family.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalJournal of Family Psychology·DateJul 31, 2018

Forty percent of people have a fictional first memory, says study

A survey of 6,641 people found that nearly 40% had a fictional first memory, with middle-aged and older adults more likely to claim such memories. Researchers suggest these may be based on remembered fragments of early experience and facts about infancy.

SourceCity St George’s, University of London·JournalPsychological Science·DateJul 17, 2018
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Forgetting may help improve memory and learning

Research suggests that forgetting can increase long-term retention and information retrieval, ultimately enhancing learning. By changing context, forgetting can also enrich how information is encoded and retrieved.

SourceAmerican Physiological Society·DateJun 20, 2018

The neurons that rewrite traumatic memories

Researchers discovered that rewriting long-term traumatic memories involves the activity of specific neurons in the brain's dentate gyrus. This finding supports the use of exposure-based therapy as a effective treatment for PTSD and other trauma-related disorders.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalScience·DateJun 14, 2018
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Virtual brain gives insights into memory deficits in depression

A computational model suggests that older memories are affected in depression, with longer episodes causing more extensive memory deficits. The study's findings imply that major depressive disorder could have far-reaching consequences, including the loss of remote memories that do not recover even after the depression subsides.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 8, 2018

Functional MRI reveals memory in sleeping toddlers

Scientists have discovered how brain regions activate during memory recall in two-year-olds using functional MRI. The hippocampus plays a key role in forming and recalling memories, especially episodic memory, which involves remembering events and contexts.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 4, 2018

'Will this be on the test?' Even if it isn't, students might remember it

A new study by the University of British Columbia suggests that teachers can strengthen students' memories without causing assessment fatigue. The researchers found that students who were tested on a portion of their study material performed better on other, related questions - even if they weren't included in the initial test.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalAdvances in Health Sciences Education·DateMay 28, 2018

Studying insight

The study found that pupils dilate before reported inspiration, predicting subsequent inspiration. This discovery may lead to externally monitoring and controlling memory retrieval in the future.

SourceToyohashi University of Technology (TUT)·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 21, 2018
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Imagining a positive outcome biases subsequent memories

A study published in Psychological Science found that imagining a positive outcome for an upcoming event can color one's memory of the event, leading to a rosier reflection. Participants who imagined scenarios in a positive light also rated actual events more positively, suggesting that optimism can transfer to a more positive recall.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateApr 24, 2018

A neurobiological link between PTSD and addiction

Recalling traumatic memories enhances the rewarding effects of morphine in male rats, increasing freezing fear response and preference for morphine. Dopamine receptors D1R and D4R play a role in this effect, suggesting abnormal dopamine signals may underlie PTSD addiction.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·DateApr 23, 2018

Does age at menopause affect memory?

A study of over 1,300 women found that entering menopause at a later age was associated with better verbal memory skills. After adjusting for other factors, the researchers found a small but significant difference in memory scores, recalling an average of 0.09 additional words per year.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateApr 11, 2018
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Prosthetic memory system successful in humans, study finds

Researchers successfully implemented a prosthetic system that utilizes individual brain cell patterns to enhance memory encoding and recall. In a pilot study, participants showed significant improvements in episodic memory performance, with the most notable gain observed when stimulated with correct-answer codes.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalJournal of Neural Engineering·DateMar 27, 2018
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

How cellular structure orchestrates immunologic memory

A new study has identified a specific structure within memory cells that enables them to respond rapidly to infections and vaccinations. This discovery sheds light on how the body remembers disease-causing pathogens and can react more quickly upon renewed exposure.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalImmunity·DateMar 8, 2018

Déjà vu and feelings of prediction: They're just feelings

Researchers recreated déjà vu in human subjects to study the feeling of premonition, finding participants were no more likely to predict the future than blind guesses. During déjà vu, they felt like they knew what's going to happen next, mirroring real-life experiences.

SourceColorado State University·JournalPsychological Science·DateMar 1, 2018
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Private browsing gets more private

A new system called Veil provides added protections for users in shared computing environments, ensuring data remains encrypted until displayed. The Veil system works by using a blinding server to transmit decrypted pages, making it harder for attackers to retrieve sensitive information.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateFeb 23, 2018

Can't get an image out of your head? Your eyes are helping to keep it there.

Researchers at Baycrest Centre for Geriatric Care have found that eye movements play a crucial role in storing memories, enabling the development of new diagnostic tools. Brain imaging studies identified patterns of eye movement and brain activity, revealing how our eyes help reconstruct past experiences.

SourceBaycrest Centre for Geriatric Care·JournalCerebral Cortex·DateFeb 14, 2018

New technique boosts eyewitness recall

Researchers at James Cook University found that a new technique, Category Cluster Recall (CCR), improves eyewitness recall compared to traditional free recall methods. Using CCR, witnesses were prompted to remember specific details in categories, resulting in more accurate and detailed information being recalled.

SourceJames Cook University·JournalMemory·DateFeb 6, 2018
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Using virtual reality to identify brain areas involved in memory

A study published in Nature Communications used virtual reality to train subjects, then showed that different areas of the hippocampus are activated for different types of memories. The researchers found that the hippocampus is involved in linking similar experiences and encoding time and space information.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 25, 2018

Finding unravels nature of cognitive inflexibility in Fragile X syndrome

Research by neuroscientists at New York University uncovers neural circuits that may be intact but improperly tuned, leading to inflexibility in learning new information. The study sheds light on the cognitive deficit characteristic of Fragile X syndrome, which impairs memory use in multiple ways.

SourceNew York University·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJan 22, 2018

Amygdala and memory

Researchers used electrical stimulation to activate the amygdala, a brain region involved in prioritizing memories, and found improved memory recognition for participants. The study has implications for developing memory enhancement therapies.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 18, 2017

Study finds reading information aloud to yourself improves memory

A study from the University of Waterloo found that reading information aloud enhances long-term memory by leveraging the dual action of speaking and hearing oneself. This 'production effect' is particularly beneficial for learning new information, suggesting a simple yet effective method to improve memory retention.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalMemory·DateDec 1, 2017
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Researchers reveal new insights into why sleep is good for our memory

Researchers at the University of York found that sleep helps us use our memory in a flexible and adaptable manner by strengthening both old and new versions of an experience. This process allows for the adaptive updating of memories, but can also lead to distortions if incorrect information is incorporated.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalCortex·DateNov 14, 2017

UCLA neuroscientists improve human memory by electrically stimulating brain

Researchers found that low-current electrical pulses targeting the right side of the entorhinal area significantly improved patients' ability to recognize specific faces. The study builds on previous research demonstrating that electrically stimulating the brain's entorhinal cortex can strengthen human memory.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·DateOct 25, 2017

MIT neuroscientists build case for new theory of memory formation

Researchers suggest existing models of memory formation should be revised due to existence of 'silent engrams' which store memories even when they cannot be retrieved through natural cues. Memories are stored in a specific pattern of connections that form between cells during the first few minutes after an event occurs.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 23, 2017
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

A new learning rule for memory formation and storage revealed

Researchers discovered a new learning mechanism that spans seconds, allowing for the storage of entire sequences of events, including places traversed. This finding challenges the widely accepted Hebbian learning rule, suggesting no causal relationship between interconnected neurons is required to form long-lasting associations.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateSep 7, 2017

Don't multitask while you read this

Researchers conducted two experiments with UCLA students to test the impact of multitasking on memory. They found that divided attention impairs memory recall but does not affect focus on critical information.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalPsychological Science·DateAug 23, 2017
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

How we recall the past

Researchers have identified a distinct 'detour' circuit in the hippocampus that is necessary for memory recall, but not for memory formation. This circuit branches off from the original memory circuit and connects to the entorhinal cortex, enabling easier editing or updating of memories.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalCell·DateAug 17, 2017

No direct flights for memory retrieval

Research finds that a neural stopover in the subiculum is necessary for retrieving episodic memories, but not forming them. Activating or inhibiting this pathway affects memory recall and stress hormone levels related to fear responses.

SourceRIKEN·JournalCell·DateAug 17, 2017

Working memory may compensate for lack of attention

A study in eNeuro found that when remembering a sequence of events, the brain focuses on the event paid the least attention. The image that generated the weakest response in the brain during encoding was most strongly replayed during the delay period.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·JournaleNeuro·DateAug 14, 2017

Alcohol boosts recall of earlier learning

A University of Exeter study found that drinking alcohol boosts memory recall for information learned before the drinking episode began. Those who consumed more alcohol showed stronger effects on memory performance.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 24, 2017

Squirrels have long memory for problem solving

Researchers found grey squirrels could remember complex problem-solving techniques for nearly two years, even with changes to the task. This exceptional memory allows them to quickly adapt and retrieve skills, contributing to their success in urban environments.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalAnimal Cognition·DateJul 13, 2017
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Ad hoc 'cache hierarchies' make chips much more efficient

Researchers at MIT developed a system that allocates cache access on the fly to create tailored 'cache hierarchies' for specific programs, increasing processing speed by 20-30% and reducing energy consumption by 30-85%. The system, called Jenga, uses a sampling algorithm to efficiently evaluate tradeoffs between latency and space.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateJul 10, 2017