A new one study has discovered that the brain stores memories using three different sets of neurons, which could give scientists insight into recovering lost memories and easing painful experiences.
The research shows that, like a backed up computer system, our brains create redundant copies of memories in different types of neurons. This discovery could potentially help survivors of traumatic events ease painful memories or even recover lost ones, reports say newatlas.com.
Scientists observing the brains of mice discovered that a single memory is stored in three groups of neurons simultaneously. These groups develop at different stages of life: early neurons, late neurons, and an intermediate group that forms in between.
The researchers found that memories stored in early neurons become stronger over time, while memories stored in late neurons are initially strong but gradually become less accessible to the brain. The most stable memories are stored in the intermediate neurons, demonstrating the greatest longevity.
The results of this study support the concept of brain plasticity: the ability to adapt and change memories. This discovery could be a step toward new treatments for people with post-traumatic stress disorder, changing recent painful memories before they become entrenched.
Understanding these processes can also help recover memories previously thought to be permanently forgotten.
The authors of the study are confident that this discovery will lay the foundation for future research in neurobiology, opening up new possibilities for working with memory and treating psychological trauma.
