You may not realize, but memories have a major impact on your behavior. Your brain takes into account past memories when making future choices and actions to make for a positive outcome.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine explored the memories of mice by using advanced technology and experimenting with both the nucleus accumbens (pleasure center) and the dorsal peri- aqueductal gray (dPAG- memories putting them in danger). Kwon, a Ph.D professor at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine observed the mice relying on their spatial memory and always seeking shelter with both scenarios due to fear.
Researchers started their research by placing the mice in a box with many visual cues such as certain shapes, colors and a shelter while watching their behaviors and every move. The researchers had to teach/train mice to connect with these visual cues prior to the experiment, ultimately allowing for memories to come back while performing the experiment.
Scientists began this experiment by investigating specific areas of the brain for a better understanding of behavior as well as exploring the influence the surrounding area has. The scientists started by reactivating memories that the mice previously encountered, with the help of special imaging technology Cal- light. This tool allows us to watch and see every move occurring in the brain. This allowed them to see which parts of the brain were used when focusing on memories or learning things on a cellular level. This piece of technology works by turning on/off specific genes in response to light. In this experiment the researchers identified and used certain neurons which were activated later on.
Additionally, the results of this research conveyed that when scientists activated the neurons in the two areas of the brain, (pleasure vs fear) the memory associated with fear were always brought back, which allowed the mice to always remember where they looked to seek shelter previously. Because of this, the mice looked to seek shelter each time due to potential danger and feeling threatened.
Furthermore, this study helped researchers learn how memories are seen and organized in the brain, which provides further insight and information to contribute to developing new cures for memory- related diseases. This information could help prevent or slow down Alzheimer’s as well as other neurodegenerative diseases. Understanding the macro level structure of memory provides a foundation of all memory circuits of the brain. The study ultimately shows the influence memories can have on behavior even when there is no threat.
Memories in living things, particularly mice, relates to what we have covered in Biology so far as we have learned about the process of translation. Protein synthesis is called translation. Translation describes a process in which the information from messenger RNA is processed into a chain of amino acids, or protein. It takes place in the cell’s ribosome. Protein synthesis is crucial for forming and storing memories. When we learn, neurons send signals that activate specific genes, leading to the production of proteins. These proteins help strengthen connections between neurons, making it easier to recall information later. This process is essential for turning short-term memories into long-term ones.
As someone who intends to go into the medical field, I am very interesting to find new advanced treatments that can help cure and reduce symptoms. With many neurodegenerative diseases, specifically, Alzheimer’s with very few treatments and no cure, it has raised my curiosity. What else do you think scientists can come up with in the near future to help with neurodegenerative diseases?
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