Exciting new research in memory

[deathjoy]

Brain scans read memoriesFORMATION of a memory is widely believed to leave a 'trace' in the brain - a fleeting pattern of electrical activity which strengthens the connections within a widely distributed network of neurons, and which re-emerges when the memory is recalled. The concept of the memory trace was first proposed nearly a century ago, but

Comments

[technocratic]

My hope is that this will pave the way for better neural computer interfaces to help people who are quadriplegic to use a computer.

Right now, experimental interfaces rely on neural pathways previously used for motor movement (e.g., their arms), and allow only simple mouse movement.

Imagine the power and flexibility it would give the disabled to be able to think words and have those words typed on the screen, instead of having to awkwardly hunt-and-peck one letter at a time with a mouse. And that would be just the beginning. All sorts of repetitive, complex actions could be performed instantly by the mere thought.

Ultimately, it may mean no more keyboard for any of us.

[deathjoy]

That's true! But I find this exciting from a purely basic science perspective. The fact that a particular memory had the same pattern of activation across subjects is fascinating! Not subject to personal experience, genetics.

[technocratic]

Yes, it is quite interesting from that perspecive as well. Perhaps, too, we are even looking at properties of the underlying neural network of our brain. That would have even more profound implications.

That is to say, perhaps we are learning something about neural networks in general, as opposed to something limited to ourselves.