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Scientists have for the first time shown how a single molecule expressed in the brain affects how we learn new tasks and acquire new memories. The discovery has profound implications for understanding why some older people, including those living with dementia and those with neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer's, struggle in remembering recent facts (short-term memory) and adapting to new tasks.
[...] The findings, published in the journal Neuron, are led by Dr Sonia A.L. Correa from the University of Bradford and Dr Angela M. Mabb from Georgia State University in the US and in collaboration with Dr Mark Wall from the University of Warwick. They mark an important breakthrough in understanding the mechanisms in the brain that control cognitive abilities. The team already knew the importance of the protein Arc in learning and memory. Arc is a key protein in enabling synaptic connections and is switched on during learning and, when no longer needed, switched off rapidly.
Source: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/05/180531142654.htm
(Score: 1, Interesting) by Anonymous Coward on Tuesday June 05 2018, @06:07PM (1 child)
How about memory drugs? Pop a pill and have the memories of 4 years of a degree? Or a night of debauchery without the hangover?
(Score: 2) by realDonaldTrump on Tuesday June 05 2018, @10:32PM
That "one night" was every night for my son Don, when he was in college. He'd get drunk, piss him pants, pass out on someone else's couch. I told him that's not what college is about. It's about getting the best grades. It's about getting laid -- and REMEMBERING it. Not drinking! Mike Pence understands. He was in a fraternity. And his frat brothers were planning a keg party. So Mike showed the college Administrators where the kegs were. And it worked out beautifully for everyone involved!!!