2023-10-14 06:33:39
This new theory revives the debate on the storage of brain memory. The usefulness of the memories would be the determining characteristic, but not their age.
Scientists thought they had understood brain memory storage, including the consolidation of systems. A memory goes from the hippocampus to the neocortex depending on its age. But according to a new study, it’s the importance of the memory for future situations that determines the storage from brain memory.
The research in question is the result of collaboration between an American team from the Janelia Research Campus and English researchers from University College London. The research group presented his new theory in the journal Nature Neuroscience.
What was inexplicable regarding the transfer of memories
According to the classic theory of systems consolidation, all memories move from the hippocampus to the neocortex over time.
The hippocampus is the brain area located in the lobes temporaux. The mechanism of memory and the functioning of learning – such as skills or gestures – depend on this part.
As for the neocortex, this is the part where memories remain long term. Note that it is wider than the hippocampus. The neocortex is responsible for perceiving the environment. It is also essential for cognitive functions and the determination of motor reactions facing external stimuli.
However, some memories do not go to the neocortex and remain in the hippocampus. Classical theory might not determine the reason.
Generalization in brain memory storage
The new postulate thus offers another quantitative formulation of the consolidation of systems. This new vision solves the mystery of the transfer of memories. The authors of the research present a mathematical theory of neural networks.
Indeed, this theory states that the consolidation of memories in the neocortex only occurs if it improves memory. generalization. Reliable and probable components of memories construct generalizations. It then becomes possible to apply them to other circumstances.
The brain can generalize targeted memory characteristics to understand the world. There is therefore no transfer from one location to another in the consolidation process. Instead, the brain creates a new memory, from the generalization of past memories.
Beneficial to the development of artificial intelligence
The brain thus consolidates useful memories by passing them to the neocortex. Those that are not remain in the hippocampus. The team from Janelia Research Campus and University College London used neural networks to demonstrate his new theory on brain memory storage.
Indeed, the researchers were able to replicate experimental models that previously classical theory was unable to explain. They must now carry out practical tests of their theory.
Work on memory storage is of great importance. Advances offer a better understanding of cognition. The benefits go beyond health.
Indeed, new theories like this also contribute to the development of artificial intelligence.
1697269209
#theory #turns #upside
