Scientists Discover Two Parts in Brain Responsible for Memory
Scientists from Cornell University have made an exciting discovery about the brain’s memory function. For the first time, they have found that the area responsible for memory consists of two parts, each with distinct roles. One part is responsible for memories of the past, including time and location, while the other is involved in forming future behavior.
The researchers focused on the hippocampus, a region of the brain responsible for memory formation, spatial navigation, and learning. They identified two different types of neural codes within the hippocampus. One code is responsible for spatial memory, helping us remember specific locations and routes. The other code is predictive in nature, enabling the brain to develop new plans and anticipate future actions on the go.
To study the workings of memory in more detail, the researchers conducted experiments with rats. They implanted electrodes in the rats’ brains to track the activity of activated neurons simultaneously. Optogenetics, a technique that uses light to control neural activity, was used to selectively manipulate certain sets of neurons without completely silencing them.
In one experiment, the rats were trained to remember a specific path from point A to point D. However, when certain neurons were turned off, the rats couldn’t recall the path accurately. Interestingly, after sleeping, the rats were able to restore the memory of points A and D but struggled to remember important details about the path they had to take.
In another experiment, the rats had to find a new path every day to reach a reward. When specific neurons were deactivated, the rats lost their ability to remember how to find the reward. This suggests that these neurons are crucial for forming new plans and predicting outcomes.
Additionally, the researchers conducted a test to assess the rats’ associative memory. When they deactivated the part of the brain responsible for prediction, the rats’ associative memory remained unaffected. This further supported the finding that the two different types of memory operate independently and serve distinct functions.
The outcomes of these experiments have provided scientists with a better understanding of the neural processes underlying memory and cognitive abilities. This knowledge can potentially lead to the development of more effective treatments for memory