Human brain research is one of the most interesting, mysterious and fascinating areas of modern science. Reports of discoveries in this area appear regularly.
Of course, after all, knowing about brain reserves will help us maintain clarity of mind and firmness of memory for longer. And if necessary, they will even allow it to be expanded. Don't believe me? And scientists are already experimenting.
Recent experiments by American researchers have shown that we already have the ability to expand the memory capacity by almost a third.
Experts at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center and the University of Southern California have jointly recruited a group of volunteers from people with epilepsy (this disease is characterized by memory damage). Before the experiment, electrodes were implanted into the brains of the patients, which were used to study the process of seizures. Doctors used the same electrodes to stimulate memory during the experiment.
The subjects were asked to pass simple tests in which event, or short-term memory was involved. From the electrodes, scientists received information about how neurons "respond" to a given task. When patients passed the test again, the electrodes no longer recorded brain signals, but stimulated neurons in a certain way. As a result, memory reserves expanded by about 30%.
So far, "implants" to improve the memory of healthy people are not considered. Developments are underway to correct the condition of people suffering from Alzheimer's disease, as well as for patients who have suffered a stroke or traumatic brain injury affecting memory. It is very important for such people to keep information about who they are, where they live, what their relatives look like. The special code, which scientists hope to compose, will help stimulate the brain's neurons and increase the strength of memories.
Agree, "memory transplant" sounds like something from the realm of fantasy. However, scientists have succeeded in conducting successful research in this area.
Until a few years ago, physiologists were convinced that memory is electrical signals between nerve cells. However, it was recently discovered that she also has a completely material carrier. Experts from the University of California conducted an experiment on snails (slugs). One group of "test subjects" was electrocuted, so within a few days they learned to contract in response to touch. The second group of snails was not exposed to any influences, and reacted calmly to touch.
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After a while, scientists transplanted RNA from the snails of the first group to the snails of the second, calm, group. And they began to demonstrate a similar behavior - to shrink when touched.
Thus, it was possible to show that memory has a "carrier". And further research in this area will create drugs that can block negative or harmful memories for the psyche.