Memories Stick Together

This research by scientists provides a clearer explanation of how memory works. It can also inform research into disorders liked Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, post-traumatic stress and learning disabilities.

Over the past few decades, scientists have revealed a lot about long term memory storage. For significant events, being bit by a cat—a number of proteins are quickly made in activated brain cells and create new memories. This series of biochemical events allow us to remember important details about that event.

While much is still unknown about sleep, research suggests that important memories from the day are often transported through the brain, it is moved from temporary storage to more long-term storage. Researchers observed most of this memory formation in non-dreaming sleep. Not much is known about if and how memory packaging is done during dreams.

Scientist O'Donnell states "During sleep there's a reorganizing of memory—you strengthen some memories and lose ones you don't need anymore.”

NOS THEMES:

Science is collaborative: Terry Seinowski and Howard Hughes worked together to research memory and it's correlation with sleep.  

Role of motivation and curiosity: Scientists are interested in finding out more about the components of memory. 

LINK

http://www.biologynews.net/archives/2014/04/16/scientists_explain_how_memories_stick_together.html