One of the most intriguing physics discoveries of the last century was the existence of antimatter, material that exists as the “mirror image” of subatomic particles of matter, such as electrons, protons and quarks, but with the opposite charge. Antimatter deepened our understanding of our universe and the laws of physics, and now the same idea is being proposed to explain something equally mysterious: memory.
When memories are created and recalled, new and stronger electrical connections are created between neurons in the brain. The memory is represented by this new association between neurons. But a new theory, backed by animal research and mathematical models, suggests that at the same time that a memory is created, an “antimemory” is also spawned – that is, connections between neurons are made that provide the exact opposite pattern of electrical activity to those forming the original memory. Scientists believe that this helps maintain the balance of electrical activity in the brain.
The growth of stronger connections between neurons, known as an increase in excitation, is part of the normal process of learning. Like the excitement that we feel emotionally, a little is a good thing. However, also like emotional excitement, too much of it can cause problems.
In fact, the levels of electrical activity in the brain are finely and delicately balanced. Any excessive excitation in the brain disrupts this balance. In fact, electrical imbalance is thought to underlie some of the cognitive problems associated with psychiatric and psychological conditions such as autism and schizophrenia.
In trying to understand the effects of imbalance, scientists reached the conclusion that there must be a second process in learning that acts to rebalance the excitation caused by the new memory and keep the whole system in check. The theory is that, just as we have matter and antimatter, so there must be an antimemory for every memory. This precise mirroring of the excitation of the new memory with its inhibitory antimemory prevents a runaway storm of brain activity, ensuring that the system stays in balance.
While the memory is still present, the activity it caused has been subdued. In this way, antimemories work to silence the original memory without erasing it.
Learn more: Antimatter changed physics, and the discovery of antimemories could revolutionise neuroscience
The Latest on: Antimemories
[google_news title=”” keyword=”antimemories” num_posts=”10″ blurb_length=”0″ show_thumb=”left”]
via Google News
The Latest on: Antimemories
- Why music from our teens stays with us foreveron April 21, 2024 at 11:07 am
For many of us there are certain songs that have the power to transcend the everyday and instantly transport us back to a certain time or place – sitting in the park on a sunny day, dancing on a ...
- Fond memories of a favorite governor | Letters to the editoron April 19, 2024 at 11:00 pm
“Integrity, honesty, decency, compassion” were the Sun Sentinel’s front-page words honoring Bob Graham, Florida’s former governor and senator. I doubt that those words will ever be ...
- California assemblywoman condemns 'temper tantrum' of anti-Israel protesters who shut down Golden Gate Bridgeon April 19, 2024 at 4:59 pm
One California assemblywoman is calling the protests that brought traffic to a standstill on the Golden Gate Bridge earlier this week "unacceptable" and declaring the protesters who trapped ...
- Anti-Israel protesters heard shouting ‘We are Hamas,’ ‘Long live Hamas’ amid Columbia U demonstrationson April 19, 2024 at 2:17 pm
Anti-Israel protesters near Columbia University were heard shouting pro-Hamas slogans this week as demonstrations geared up at the private campus. "We are Hamas!" one aggressive protester was ...
- 12 Cheap Foods With Anti-Aging Properties That Longevity Scientists Swear Byon April 19, 2024 at 5:13 am
In this article, we will be taking a look at the 12 cheap foods with anti-aging properties that longevity scientists swear by. If you do not want to learn about the anti-aging trends, head ...
- Cops storm Columbia, bust 108 anti-Israel protesters after university prez finally tells NYPD to clear campuson April 18, 2024 at 6:00 pm
More than 100 protesters were cuffed and hauled away from Columbia University when NYPD cops in riot gear swarmed the campus Thursday after the school’s president made the bombshell decision to ...
- ‘Close to Death’ Review: Memories of a Crime Sceneon April 18, 2024 at 9:14 am
Riverview Close, a fictional London residential community near the Thames, is the main scene of action in Anthony Horowitz’s semisatirical mystery novel “Close to Death.” Built on the ...
- Anti-Israel protesters wave Hezbollah banner, set American flags on fire during NYC unreston April 16, 2024 at 7:51 am
Anti-Israel protesters in Manhattan waved the yellow-and-green banner of Hezbollah and proclaimed their “love” for the Iran-backed terrorist organization – as others set US flags on fire and ...
- What to know about Alaska's latest transgender bills vs. anti-discrimination lawsuiton April 11, 2024 at 4:10 pm
There are several bills currently under consideration by Alaska lawmakers that would limit the rights of transgender youth - all part of a broader national trend - but that’s just part of the issue.
- Palmsy is an anti-social social media appon March 29, 2024 at 5:00 pm
If you've ever wanted Notes to have a fake social media function, there's a new app just for you: Palmsy. As reported by TechCrunch, Palmsy is essentially a phony social media app in that you can ...
via Bing News