How the brain decides what to remember

Researchers have discovered that he brain Humans use high frequency electrical waves.known as “sharp waves”for Selecting and storing long-term memories. The study, conducted by a professor of neuroscience at New York University, George Buzakiand his team, highlight The importance of rest and sleep In the formation of memories. Observations indicate that These waves, which are generated during periods of rest or sleep, act as a “tag” mechanism that helps the brain choose which experiences to retain.

And Yanga Ph.D. student in the Buzsaki lab and lead author of the study published last March in the journal SciencesHe explained that these waves are similar to “Fireworks appear in the brain.” The team investigated the correlation between the experiments and the sharp wave ripples during Experiments with mice in mazes. The mice, fitted with electrodes, were monitored as they ran through mazes and then rested or slept. It was found that seizures generated more intense wave ripples during rest. It is the same one that was repeated during sleep.Suggesting that these waves were markers of long-term storage.

In the eighties, Buzsáki had already suggested that these waves were part of the brain’s mechanism for consolidating memories. By observing the anesthetized mice, he noticed that their brains produced these fast, powerful waves, Which contrasts with the more rhythmic and melodic waves observed while awake. This discrepancy caught Buzsaki’s attention and led him to further explore the function of these waves.

Other scientists have also investigated these waves. In 1981, John O’Keefea Nobel laureate in neuroscience, coined the term. “waves” To describe these irregular electrical activities in the brains of sleeping rodents. Michael Zugaroformerly a member of Buzsaki’s lab and now at the Collège de France, highlighted Buzsaki’s insight by suggesting that these waves It wasn’t just brain noises.But memory-related activities.

Investigating sharp wave ripples is made easier by Technological developments In the 1990s and 2000s, with improvements in computing and more precise instruments, scientists were able to do this. Recording the electrical activity of more than 100 neurons simultaneously. They discovered that these waves appeared to reproduce the animal’s brain activity during previous experiences, Like running through a maze, but much faster. according to Hiroaki Norimotoa professor of neuroscience at Nagoya University, said these findings made “sharp wave ripples” famous and highlighted their role in reactivating neuronal sequences.

Moving into the current decade, additional research has shown that “sharp waves” We are Essential for strengthening memories. Studies have shown that by interfering with these waves, memory tasks in rodents worsen. Leila DavachiA professor of psychology at Columbia University explained that the brain “the exercise” Even in moments of waking rest, play And Reinforce past experiences.

The current research expands this understanding by showing that “sharp waves” It not only consolidates, but alsoThey also choose which memories will be stored. Daniel Bendora neuroscientist at University College London, Compare this process to a pianist playing a specific series of notes to record an experience.

Lauren Franka neuroscientist at the University of California, San Francisco, finds it interesting that the NYU study Show how the brain can create a time code to distinguish between memories that occur in the same place.A concept also supported by Freja Olafsdottira neuroscientist at Radboud University.

Despite this progress, Buzaki and his team’s work leaves open questions about how this can be done. Why are certain experiences chosen over others? Shantanu JadhavA Brandeis University neuroscientist suggests that an organism’s internal state can influence which experiences are stored most effectively, although It is not clear why the mouse remembers one test better than the other.

Buzsáki remains committed to exploring the sharp undulations of the waves. Ammon’s hornhoping to Potential applications that could arise from these findings. It is worth noting that eliminating these waves It can be used to treat disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder.