Researchers from the University of California, Irvine have discovered the neurons responsible for "item memory," deepening our understanding of how the brain stores and retrieves the details of "what" happened and offering a new target for treating Alzheimer's disease. Memories include three types of details: spatial, temporal and item, the "where, when and what" of an event. Their creation is a complex process that involves storing information based on the meanings and outcomes of different experiences and forms the foundation of our ability to recall and recount them.
The study, published online today in the journal Nature , is the first to reveal the role of specific cells in how the brain classifies and remembers new information, particularly when linked to rewards or punishments. "Understanding this process is crucial because it deepens our insight into the fundamental way our brains function, especially in learning and memory ," said corresponding author Kei Igarashi, Chancellor's Fellow and associate professor of anatomy and neurobiology. "Our findings shed light on the intricate neural circuits that enable us to learn from our experiences and store these memories in a structured way.
" Researchers studied mice brains, focusing on the deeper layers of the lateral entorhinal cortex , where they discovered specialized, item-outcome neurons essential for learning. Odors are critical sensory cues for item memory in mice. Some neurons became active when exposed to the scent .