This new theory revives the debate about brain memory storage. The usefulness of the memories would be the deciding factor, but not their age.
Scientists believed they had understood brain memory storage, including the consolidation of systems. Depending on age, a memory extends from the hippocampus to the neocortex. But according to a new study, it’s the importance of memory for future situations that determines this storage of Brain memory.
The research in question is the result of a collaboration between an American team from the Janelia Research Campus and English researchers from University College London. The research group presented their new theory in the journal Nature Neuroscience.
What was inexplicable about 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 brain Temporal lobe. 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 persist over the long term. Note that it is wider than the hippocampus. The neocortex is responsible for sensing the environment. It is also important for cognitive functions and the determination of motor reactions face external stimuli.
However, some memories do not enter the neocortex and remain in the hippocampus. The classical theory could not determine the reason.
Generalization in brain memory storage
The new postulate thus offers a further quantitative formulation of the consolidation of systems. This new vision solves the mystery of memory transfer. The authors of the study present a mathematical theory of neural networks.
In fact, this theory states that consolidation of memories in the neocortex only occurs if it improves memory. generalization. Reliable and probable components of memories construct generalizations. Then it becomes possible to apply them to other circumstances.
The brain can Generalizing targeted memory properties 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 that Generalization of past memories.
Beneficial for the development of artificial intelligence
The brain thus consolidates useful memories by passing them on to the neocortex. Those that aren’t stay in the hippocampus. The team from Janelia Research Campus and University College London used Neural Networks to demonstrate his new theory of brain memory storage.
In fact, the researchers managed to replicate this experimental models that the previous classical theory could not explain. You now have to put your theory to the test in practice.
The work on memory storage is of great importance. Advances offer a better understanding of cognition. The benefits go beyond health.
In fact, new theories like these also contribute to the development of artificial intelligence.