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Mimicking deep sleep brain activity improves memory

The study found that artificially applying synchronous slow wave brain activity during non-REM sleep can enhance memory consolidation, allowing mice to retain memories for up to 4 days. This discovery suggests a potential route to therapy using transcortical magnetic or direct-current stimulation to reactivate sleep-deprived neurons.

SourceRIKEN·JournalScience·DateMay 26, 2016

Eyewitnesses' memories darken skin color

Researchers at the University of British Columbia found that eyewitness memories are biased against black suspects in drive-by shootings, with incorrect recall rates as high as 80%. This study highlights the potential for wrongful convictions and emphasizes the need to consider eyewitness testimony's limitations in the justice system.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·DateMay 12, 2016

Why bad experiences are remembered out of context

A new UCL study found that bad experiences are strongly remembered, but surrounding context is weakly recalled due to reduced activity in the hippocampus. This imbalance can lead to strong but fragmented memory for traumatic content, contributing to post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalSocial Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience·DateMay 10, 2016

Scientists grow a material based on hafnium oxide for a new type of non-volatile memory

Researchers have successfully grown ultra-thin ferroelectric films based on hafnium oxide, which could potentially be used to develop non-volatile memory elements. The films' ferroelectric properties are compatible with silicon technology, paving the way for the creation of new non-volatile memory devices.

SourceMoscow Institute of Physics and Technology·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateApr 13, 2016

Expectation may be essential to memory formation

Researchers propose expectancy-based binding theory, which suggests that subjects remember features without necessarily attaching them to the target object. This contradicts traditional theories of object-based and feature-based encoding., Attention alone is not enough for accurate memory recall, according to the study.

SourcePenn State·JournalCognition·DateMar 28, 2016

The secret to a better shopping trip

Researchers found that shoppers who brought lists of familiar items relied on memory, while those with uncommon items benefited from walking through aisles to trigger memories. The study suggests bringing a list is key to successful shopping trips, regardless of item familiarity.

SourceSociety for Consumer Psychology·JournalJournal of Consumer Psychology·DateMar 28, 2016

Memory ensembles

The brain regulates the size of neuronal ensembles that reflect the memory trace to optimize performance, researchers from Université de Genève demonstrate. The study shows that inhibiting or resurfacing a memory can be achieved by targeting neurons in the hippocampus.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNeuron·DateFeb 11, 2016

What is your memory style?

A study by Baycrest Centre for Geriatric Care reveals that brain connectivity patterns differ between individuals who remember episodic details versus facts, suggesting a lifelong 'memory trait'. This finding may have implications for understanding aging and brain health.

'Virtual Week' brain game has potential to help older adults remain independent longer

A one-month training program on the Virtual Week computer brain game strengthens prospective memory in older adults, which is crucial for planning and everyday functioning. The study shows that these cognitive gains transfer to real-world activities of daily living, with participants performing more tasks correctly than control groups.

SourceBaycrest Centre for Geriatric Care·JournalFrontiers in Human Neuroscience·DateOct 28, 2015

Repeating aloud to another person boosts recall

A study by Professor Victor Boucher of the University of Montreal found that repeating aloud boosts verbal memory, especially when done in a context of communication. The research showed that repeating aloud to someone else increased information recall compared to repeating silently or in one's head.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalConsciousness and Cognition·DateOct 6, 2015

Don't I know that guy?

Johns Hopkins University researchers identified the hippocampus region responsible for distinguishing between familiar and new memories. This finding validates theories about memory processing and may help explain memory impairments in diseases like Alzheimer's, potentially preserving people's memories as they age.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalNeuron·DateAug 19, 2015

Not like riding a bike: New motor memories need stabilizing

A recent study published in PLOS Computational Biology suggests that new motor skills memories formed during a single practice session are intrinsically unstable, contrary to previous theories. This finding has implications for our understanding of how motor skills memories are stabilized over time.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateJun 18, 2015

In search of memory storage

Researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum recreated memory formation in the hippocampus using computer simulations, challenging the existing model. They found that the CA1 region plays a key role in completing memories, while the CA3 region is not as crucial as previously thought.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateJun 3, 2015

Fond memories make fragrances a favorite

A study published in Springer's Chemosensory Perception journal found that fragrance preferences are driven by personal emotional memories. The researchers discovered that odor-evoked memories elicit potent emotional responses, influencing customers' likes and ratings.

SourceSpringer·JournalChemosensory Perception·DateJun 3, 2015