Neuroscientists Find The Molecular 'When' And 'Where' Of Memory Formation
Neuroscientists from New York University and the University of California, Irvine have isolated the "when" and "where" of molecular activity that occurs in the formation of short-, intermediate-, and long-term memories. Their findings offer new insights into the molecular architecture of memory formation and, with it, a better roadmap for developing therapeutic interventions for related afflictions. "Our findings provide a deeper understanding of how memories are created," explained the research team leader Thomas Carew. "Memory formation is not simply a matter of turning molecules on and off; rather, it results from a complex temporal and spatial relationship of molecular interaction and movement." Neuroscientists have previously uncovered different aspects of molecular signaling relevant to the formation of memories, but less understood is the spatial relationship between molecules and when they are active during this process.
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