What if our memories did not reside exclusively in our brain? A recent study conducted by researchers at New York University is challenging our traditional view of memories. They discovered that non-brain cells, derived from kidney and nerve tissues, can also store certain events.
Illustrative image from Pexels
Traditionally, memory is associated with neurons, these specialized cells which record, consolidate, and retrieve memories. This process relies on the activation of a specific gene, nicknamed the "memory gene." However, Nikolay V. Kukushkin and his team wanted to know if this mechanism could apply to other types of cells.
To answer this question, the researchers replicated in the lab the spacing effect, a well-known phenomenon in neuroscience. This effect shows that regular breaks during learning improve information retention, unlike intensive study without interruption.
They subjected kidney and nerve cells to chemical impulses similar to those received by neurons. These signals, administered in spaced or continuous intervals, aimed to simulate the learning processes observed in the brain.
By modifying cells to produce a fluorescent protein when the memory gene was activated, the scientists could observe the phenomenon in real-time. The results proved surprising: non-brain cells reacted to the impulses by activating the memory gene, just like brain cells! Moreover, the cells reacted more intensely and for longer when the impulses were spaced out than with continuous signals.
This discovery demonstrates that the ability to “retain” information is not exclusive to brain neurons. It could be a fundamental property shared by all human cells, thus opening novel perspectives.
This work could transform our understanding of interactions between the body's various cells. For example, it could be imagined that the pancreas uses this principle to “remember” dietary patterns or that cancer cells adapt their response based on past treatments.
Furthermore, this discovery offers promising avenues for improving treatments for neurological diseases and optimizing learning methods. It invites a rethinking of the global approach to memory, incorporating the entire body into the equation.
Research into bodily memory is just beginning, and its applications could well exceed all expectations.
What is the spacing effect?
The spacing effect is a well-documented psychological phenomenon wherein information is better retained when learning sessions are spaced out over time. Unlike cramming, it favors regular repetition to strengthen memory.
This concept is based on the brain cells' ability to consolidate memories between sessions, which allows for deeper processing of the information. Spaced repetition also promotes reactivation of those memories, making them more durable.
Author of the article: Cédric DEPOND