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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.

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

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

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

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

'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

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

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

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

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.

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