The brain records three copies of each of our memories: how does it work?

The human brain is much more flexible than previously thought.

A recent study conducted by Professor Flavio Donato's team at the University of Basel reveals that each memory is recorded in three distinct copies in the brain, each stored by a different group of neurons. This discovery, made through mouse models, could explain how our memories evolve over time and adapt to new experiences.


In the brain, the hippocampus region, crucial for learning and memory, records each event in three different forms. The earliest neurons to develop, called "early" neurons, create a copy of the memory that, although initially weak, strengthens over time. This memory becomes more accessible to the brain long after its formation, allowing the preservation of memories in the long term.

Conversely, "late" neurons produce a memory copy that is very strong initially but fades quickly. This memory is easier to modify shortly after formation, allowing new information to be integrated or errors corrected. Finally, an intermediate group of neurons produces a stable memory, which changes little over time.

This complex dynamic of memory storage illustrates the brain's plasticity. Depending on when a memory is recalled, different copies can be activated, thereby influencing how the memory is altered or used. Flavio Donato explains that this flexibility is crucial for adapting to changes in our environment, allowing the brain to make appropriate choices for the future.

The implications of this discovery are vast. Understanding how the brain encodes and modifies memories could one day help mitigate pathological memories, such as those associated with post-traumatic stress disorder, or retrieve memories that seemed lost. This study marks a significant advance in our understanding of memory and could open new avenues for mental health treatments or more effective educational strategies.