Researchers have been studying how our brain stores memories for many years, and a recent study on mice may provide some answers. According to Dr. György Buzsáki, a neuroscience professor at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, the study sheds light on how the brain processes and stores memories.
During the day, as the mice formed memories, cells in the hippocampus fired in a specific formation known as “sharp wave ripples.” These ripples act as markers that signal the brain to store these memories for later use. Interestingly, while the mice were asleep, the same sharp wave ripples were observed to activate again, solidifying and locking in those memories for long-term storage.
The study was published in the journal Science and provides valuable insights for future research in this area. By understanding the mechanisms involved in memory formation and storage, scientists can gain a better understanding of how our brains function and potentially develop new strategies for improving memory retention.