How Memories Are Stored

How Memories Are Stored

This article explained how short term memories are stored. Past researchers have come up with models for how quick activity memories are stored for a long period of time. After an event, proteins are made in brain cells to create the memory. Some proteins stick to specific neurons in the brain, and some stick to neurons until they break down. This process allows us to remember important details of an event. Although, scientist are not sure why only certain memories are kept, while others aren't.

Recently, scientists at Salk Institute have come up with a new model for how neurons keep memories that occur over a period of 1-2 hours. To explain this model, researchers linked findings of molecular and system observations of memory. They explain that memories are recalled when events relating to the original memory activate the neurons of the original memory. Scientists have also found that they can predict which memories are stored based on the position of the protein on the neuron and the position of the neuron itself. Scientists are allowed to predict which memories are stored based on a mathematical function. This model could help research in diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. It can also lead to further study on how memories are collected in dreams.

NOS Themes:

Science is collaborative

Role of curiosity

Role of credibility

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