Neurons and synapses glowing, brain memory concept
It is widely believed that memories are stored only in the brain, specifically within brain cells. However, new research suggests this understanding may be incomplete. Scientists have discovered that cells in other parts of the body can also perform memory-like functions. This finding opens new possibilities for understanding how memory works and how learning and memory disorders might be treated.
Memory May Not Be Limited to Brain Cells
Traditionally, learning and memory have been linked exclusively to the brain. In this study, researchers found that non-brain cells can also learn and retain information. These findings challenge long-standing assumptions about how memory functions in the human body.
The study, published in Nature Communications, explored whether non-brain cells respond to learning patterns in a way similar to neurons. To do this, researchers focused on a well-known learning principle called the spaced learning effect. This effect shows that people remember information better when they study in intervals rather than cramming everything at once.
Scientists studying cells under microscope
How the Study Was Conducted
In the laboratory, scientists studied two types of human non-brain cells. One came from nerve tissue, and the other came from kidney tissue. The team exposed these cells to different patterns of chemical signals. These signals mimicked the neurotransmitter patterns that brain cells experience during learning.
When exposed to these patterns, the non-brain cells activated a specific “memory gene.” This is the same gene that brain cells activate when they detect learning patterns and begin forming memories.
What the Researchers Observed
To track this process, scientists engineered the cells to produce a glowing protein. The glow appeared whenever the memory gene switched on. This allowed researchers to clearly see when learning occurred.
The results were striking. Cells responded more strongly when chemical signals arrived in spaced intervals rather than in one continuous burst. The memory gene stayed active longer under spaced conditions. This response closely matched how neurons behave during effective learning.
Why These Findings Matter
These results suggest that the ability to learn from spaced repetition may not be unique to brain cells. Instead, it may be a fundamental property shared by many types of cells in the body.
The researchers believe this discovery could reshape how scientists study memory. It may also lead to new approaches for improving learning and treating memory-related conditions. By expanding our understanding of where and how memory forms, this research opens promising new directions for future health and education breakthroughs. PRIME