Researchers from the University of Basel have made a significant discovery regarding how the brain stores memories. Their study revealed that the brain utilizes three different sets of neurons to store the same memory, a finding that could have implications for softening painful memories in individuals who have experienced trauma.
Through experiments on mice, the researchers observed that when a new memory is formed, three sets of neurons are activated: early, medium, and late. Early neurons are present during the initial stages of embryo development, while late neurons emerge in later stages of development. The medium-type neurons are formed in between these two stages.
The study results indicated that memories stored in early neurons are initially difficult to access but become more stable over time. Conversely, memories stored in late neurons are strong initially but weaken and become less accessible as time passes. Memories stored in medium neurons offer the most stable storage compared to the other groups.
While the research was conducted on mice, the findings have potential implications for humans. Understanding how memories are formed and stored could lead to the development of methods to modify or weaken painful memories. For instance, if a memory is stored in late neurons while still “fresh,” it may be easier to alter before it moves to other neuron groups where modification becomes more challenging.
This discovery highlights the brain’s plasticity and its capacity to adapt and change, which are fundamental to its ability to retain memories. Further exploration of this plasticity could lead to the development of new therapeutic approaches for working with traumatic memories and restoring lost memories.
The research was published in the journal Science, providing valuable insights into the complex mechanisms of memory storage in the brain.