UCLA Study Unveils How Brain Cells Encode Time and Experiences, Paving Way for Memory-Boosting Therapies
September 25, 2024Neuronal replay mechanisms were observed during breaks, allowing for quicker consolidation of memories related to the sequences presented.
The study found that neurons could anticipate subsequent images, suggesting the brain learns to predict future events based on prior patterns.
These findings enhance understanding of how the brain organizes experiences and anticipates future events, even unconsciously.
The implications of this research could lead to improved memory therapies by targeting specific neuronal patterns related to important memories.
Practical applications include improved educational methods that align with natural brain processing for better memory retention.
The research found that unique firing patterns of neurons persist after experiences and can be replayed quickly by the brain during rest.
A new study from UCLA reveals how specific brain cells in the hippocampus and entorhinal cortex encode time and experiences, aiding memory formation and future predictions.
This research provides the first empirical evidence of how brain cells integrate 'what' and 'when' information, demonstrating that the brain uses similar mechanisms to represent both spatial and temporal information.
The study involved 17 patients with epilepsy, who had intracranial depth electrodes implanted to monitor their brain activity while they recognized approximately 120 images displayed in a specific sequence.
During the experiment, researchers observed how hippocampal-entorhinal neurons adjusted their activity based on the sequencing of images presented in a pyramid-shaped graph.
Despite not consciously recognizing any patterns, participants' neurons began responding to faces connected by a hidden rule, indicating implicit learning.
Dr. Itzhak Fried, the study's senior author, suggests that these findings could inform the development of neuro-prosthetic devices aimed at enhancing memory and cognitive functions.
Summary based on 6 sources
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Sources
Nature • Sep 25, 2024
Human hippocampal and entorhinal neurons encode the temporal structure of experienceNature • Sep 25, 2024
How your brain detects patterns in the everyday: without conscious thoughtScienceDaily • Sep 25, 2024
Encoding human experience: Study reveals how brain cells compute the flow of timeMedical Xpress • Sep 25, 2024
Encoding human experience: Study reveals how brain cells compute the flow of time