A groundbreaking study has revealed that the brain stores every memory using three different sets of neurons, akin to a computer system with built-in redundancies. This discovery, made by researchers at the University of Basel’s Biozentrum, may offer new avenues for addressing traumatic memories.
Through imaging the brains of mice, the team observed that three distinct neuronal groups are engaged when a new memory is formed. The first group consists of early-born neurons, which develop during the earliest stages of fetal growth. Next are the late-born neurons, which emerge late in embryonic development. Between these two are neurons that develop midway through gestation.
The study found that memories stored in early-born neurons are initially difficult to retrieve but grow stronger over time. In contrast, memories stored in late-born neurons are initially strong but fade to the point of becoming inaccessible. The memories stored in the mid-development neurons displayed the most stability, balancing the extremes of the other two groups.
Flavio Donato, the head of the research group, highlights the dual challenge the brain faces: retaining past memories to navigate the present while adapting to changes that require updating those memories. This study provides new insights into how the brain manages this balance.
Though conducted on mice, whose brains share significant similarities with human brains, the findings could have significant implications for treating trauma. The researchers suggest that memories, particularly when fresh, might be modifiable before becoming more rigidly stored. Understanding this plasticity could help scientists develop methods to either retrieve lost memories or soften painful ones.
The study’s first author, Vilde Kveim, emphasizes that the dynamic way memories are stored underscores the brain’s plasticity and its vast memory capacity. This research represents a crucial step in understanding memory formation and retrieval, with potential benefits for those suffering from traumatic memories.
