For a very long time, we have had the impression that memory and learning are the only things the brain is good at. Central to this belief is the fact that our brains, specifically brain cells, store memories.
But an innovative team of researchers takes a different view, suggesting that cells in other parts of the body are also involved in this memory function.
The ability of non-brain cells to learn and form memories is a fascinating discovery.
This thought-provoking study provides new understanding of memory mechanisms and paves the way for potential advances in the treatment of learning and memory-related distress.
Understanding memory — the basics
Memory is like your brain’s personal file system. When you experience something new, such as meeting a friend or learning a fact, your brain encodes that information by converting it into a pattern of neural activity.
These patterns are stored in different parts of the brain, depending on the type of information. For example, visual memory may be stored in areas responsible for processing images, while facts and numbers may be stored in areas responsible for processing language and logic.
Memory retrieval occurs when the brain needs to access stored patterns. This is similar to searching for files on your computer.
If you want to remember your friend’s birthday, your brain activates the relevant neural pathways to bring that information back to your consciousness.
This process can be seamless, but it can also make your memory a little fuzzy or confusing, especially if you don’t access it often. That’s why you may have trouble remembering things you haven’t thought about in a while.
Your memory is not perfect and can change over time. Each time you recall a memory, your brain can update it with new information and emotions, which can make the memory stronger or slightly different from the original event. Factors like sleep, stress, and even nutrition can also affect memory.
Memory formation and cells
“Learning and memory are generally associated only with the brain and brain cells, but our research shows that other cells in the body can also learn and form memories,” explains the New York University professor. . Nikolai V. Kukushkinlead author of the study.
The goal of the study was simple: to investigate whether cells outside the brain contribute to memory. To do this, scientists took advantage of an ancient neurological property known as the mass-space effect.
This principle states that memory retention is better when information is learned at regular intervals rather than crammed into one intensive session.
Does this resonate? We’ve all experienced the futility of last-minute cramming before a test.
Non-brain cell memory test
In this study, the scientists simulated the process of spaced learning by examining two types of non-brain human cells, one derived from neural tissue and one derived from kidney tissue, in a laboratory setting. .
These cells were exposed to different patterns of chemical signals, similar to how brain cells are exposed to patterns of neurotransmitters when we learn new information.
The interesting part: These non-brain cells also switch on “memory genes.” This is the same gene that activates when brain cells detect patterns of information and reorganize their connections to form memories.
So how exactly did scientists measure the process of memory and learning?
They cleverly manipulated cells outside the brain to produce glowing proteins that indicate whether memory genes are active or dormant.
memory cells, learning, pulse
The results of this innovative research were surprising.
It turns out that these cells can discern when chemical pulses (which simulate bursts of neurotransmitters in the brain) are repeated, rather than simply prolonged. This is much like the neurons in our own brains when we choose to study in breaks instead of continuously cramming.
When the pulses were delivered at intervals, the “memory genes” were activated more strongly and for longer than when the same treatment was administered all at once. This is a perfect demonstration of the concentrated space effect.
“This reflects collective spatial effects that are actually occurring,” says Kukushkin, a clinical associate professor of life sciences at New York University’s School of Liberal Studies and a research fellow at New York University’s Center for Neuroscience.
“This shows that the ability to learn from spaced repetition is not unique to brain cells, but may actually be a fundamental property of all cells.”
Understand how memory works
This research on non-brain cells not only introduces a new perspective to memory research, but also holds potential health-related benefits.
“This discovery opens new doors to understanding how memory works and could lead to better ways to enhance learning and treat memory problems,” Kukushkin said. says.
“At the same time, it suggests that in the future we need to treat our bodies like our brains. For example, the pancreas remembers past eating patterns to maintain healthy blood sugar levels.” Things like what you’re doing and what you take into account. Cancer cells remember the patterns of chemotherapy.”
Implications of this research
As we explore this fascinating new research on non-brain cells, a pressing question remains – how does this impact our understanding of memory formation?
What impact will this discovery have on the future of learning and memory-related treatments? Only time will tell.
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The research team also included Thomas Carew, a professor at New York University’s Center for Neuroscience. Tasnim Tabassum, researcher at New York University; Robert Carney, Undergraduate Research Fellow, New York University; This research was funded by a grant (R01-MH120300-01A1) from the National Institutes of Health.
The research will be published in a journal nature communications.
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