A digitally crated image of the synapses in the brain.
As a result of extensive researching on mice, scientists have come to a conclusion that the brain actually changes its structure based on memories by forming new connections and cancelling previously formed ones. According to Piergiorgio Strata from Italy's National Neuroscience Institute, memorizing is an example of the brain changing its structure. "When we have to memorize something, in a structure called the hippocampus or the cerebellum," he says, "the things to be remembered are selected. [...] Some of them are sent to permanent storage areas located in various parts of the brain's cortex, while others are organized differently, with inhibitory synapses coming into play." Synapses are junctions between neurons through which signals are sent, or in other words, brain connections. In order to memorize something, the brain alters previously formed connections.
A more permanent form of the brain altering its connections is through fear, a more "intense" memory. According to researchers, "the research [about how these new connections form] could pave the way for discovering the molecular foundations of phobias and anxieties."
In addition, these new connections also allow short-term memory to be stored as long-term memory through a process called consolidation, states Strata.
I found this article interesting because I have always wanted to learn how fear physically impacts the brain. If researchers can trace these connections and learn how to prevent them, some irrational fears and phobias can be prevented. Through fear, researchers can also track other emotions and may even learn how to control them (scary thought!). However, currently the focus is to track and analyze fear, and the research presented in the article seems to be the first step.
Citations:
(1) United Press International, Inc. (UPI). "Study: Memories change brain structure." Science Online. Facts on File,
2 May 2011. Web. 8 May 2011.
(2) http://www.theatretime.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Synapse-2.jpg
