Scientists have unravelled how the human brain stores long-term memories

A team of researchers has made a significant breakthrough in understanding how the brain stores long-term memories.

Here's What We Know

According to a new study published in the journal Science Advances, there is a molecule that acts as a "glue" that holds the enzyme most important for strengthening the synaptic connections responsible for storing memories.

This enzyme is known as PKMζ, or Mzeta kinase, and the "glue" that holds it in place is called KIBRA. The researchers say that the interaction between this molecule and the enzyme ensures that memories are not lost despite the degradation and regeneration of proteins in the brain. Understanding these processes could help in various areas of research, including medical research such as finding the causes of Alzheimer's disease.

Scientists conducted a series of experiments using hippocampal brain slices from lab mice to see how the interaction between KIBRA and PKMζ helps store memories. Whether this will help cure Alzheimer's disease is still unknown, but understanding how the brain stores long-term memories could help advance the treatment of the disease.

Source: Science