A groundbreaking study challenges the long-held belief that memory and learning are unique brain functions. Researchers have discovered that cells in other parts of the body can store and retrieve memories, suggesting a broader role for non-brain cells in this process.
The study’s lead author, Nikolay V. Kukushkin, notes that “learning and memory are generally associated with brains and brain cells alone, but our study shows that other cells in the body can learn and form memories, too.” To test this hypothesis, the scientists used a technique called the massed-space effect, which involves studying information in spaced intervals rather than cramming it into a single session.
The researchers examined two types of non-brain human cells – one from nerve tissue and one from kidney tissue – in a laboratory setting. They exposed these cells to varying patterns of chemical signals, similar to those found in brain cells when learning new information.
To gauge the memory and learning process, the scientists engineered the non-brain cells to generate a glowing protein that indicated whether the “memory gene” was active or dormant. The results showed that these cells were able to discern between repeated and prolonged chemical pulses, activating the “memory gene” more intensely and for longer when pulses were delivered at intervals.
This finding has significant implications for our understanding of memory formation and learning. It suggests that the ability to learn from spaced repetition may be a fundamental property of all cells, rather than just brain cells. The study also holds promise for potential health-related benefits, such as developing new treatments for memory problems and enhancing learning abilities.
As Dr. Kukushkin notes, “This discovery opens new doors for understanding how memory works and could lead to better ways to enhance learning and treat memory problems.” Further research is needed to fully understand the implications of this study, but it marks an exciting new chapter in the exploration of non-brain cell function.
Source: https://www.earth.com/news/memory-isnt-only-stored-in-our-brains-other-cells-can-remember-too