How the brain makes memories | Lisa Genova | Big Think

Summary

This script delves into the fascinating process of memory formation, highlighting four key steps: Encoding, where sensory input is translated into neurological language; Consolidation, linking neural activity into associative patterns; Storage, creating lasting changes in neural architecture; and Retrieval, activating neural circuits to recall past experiences. It emphasizes the role of the hippocampus in memory and the potential of neuroimaging to visualize memory recall. The narrative also touches on the quest to understand the genetic and molecular basis of memory, aiming to decode how the brain transitions from ignorance to knowledge.

Takeaways

• 🧠 The human brain undergoes a transformation every day as it encodes new experiences and information.
• 🔢 Memory formation involves four basic steps: Encoding, Consolidation, Storage, and Retrieval.
• 📚 Encoding is the process where the brain translates sensory information into neurological language.
• 🔗 Consolidation links unrelated neural activity into associative neural circuits that can last for decades.
• 🔒 Storage is the phase where the brain makes long-lasting changes in its structure to 'lock in' the information.
• 🌟 The hippocampus is crucial for forming consciously held memories and is the site of neurogenesis.
• 🔑 Retrieval is the activation of the neural circuit to recall and revisit past experiences or learned information.
• 📈 Functional MRI imaging can visualize the neural activity during the process of memory encoding and retrieval.
• 🔍 The pattern of neural activity during retrieval matches the activity when the original information was processed.
• 🧬 Advances in understanding memory will come from decoding the molecular and genetic events behind memory formation.
• 🧬🧬 The transition from not knowing to knowing involves specific changes in the brain at a molecular and genetic level.

Q & A

What are the four basic steps in creating a memory according to the script?

The four basic steps in creating a memory are Encoding, Consolidation, Storage, and Retrieval.

What does Encoding in memory formation involve?

Encoding involves the brain taking in all sensory information from an experience and translating it into neurological language.

Can you explain the process of Consolidation in memory formation?

Consolidation is the process where the brain links together previously unrelated neural activity, creating a pattern of associative connections or a neural circuit that can last for a long time.

What is the role of the hippocampus in memory formation?

The hippocampus is essential for forming all consciously held memories and is the site where neurogenesis, the birth of new neurons, occurs.

How does the brain lock in information during the Storage phase of memory formation?

During Storage, the brain makes enduring, long-lasting changes in neural architecture, neuroanatomy, and neurochemistry that persist even after the initial learning or experience.

What is Retrieval in the context of memory, and how does it work?

Retrieval is the process of getting information out of the brain to remember it. It involves activating the neural circuit associated with the memory, allowing one to recall or revisit past experiences or knowledge.

How can brain scans, such as functional MRI imaging, help us understand memory?

Brain scans can visualize the neural activity during memory formation and retrieval, showing which areas of the brain are activated when a memory is being formed or recalled.

What happens in the brain when you remember an image, according to the script?

When remembering an image, the brain initially lights up in different areas while searching for the memory. Once the memory is retrieved, the brain activity lands on the same places that were activated when the image was first viewed.

What does the pattern of neural activity during memory recall depend on?

The pattern of neural activity during memory recall depends on what was paid attention to and learned during the initial experience.

How is the science of memory trying to unravel the changes that occur in the brain?

The science of memory is working to understand the specific changes that occur on a molecular and genetic level when the brain transitions from not knowing something to knowing it.

What is the ultimate goal of advances in the study of memory?

The ultimate goal of advances in the study of memory is to crack the code of molecular events and understand how the human brain forms and retrieves memories at a genetic and molecular level.

Outlines

00:00

🧠 Memory Formation Process

The script discusses the complex process of memory formation in the human brain. It begins by emphasizing the uniqueness of each day and how learning new things leads to changes in the brain. The process is broken down into four fundamental steps: Encoding, where sensory information is translated into neurological language; Consolidation, where neural activity is linked into associative patterns; Storage, involving long-lasting changes in neural architecture; and Retrieval, which is the activation of neural circuits to recall past experiences. The hippocampus, a critical area for memory formation, is highlighted for its role in neurogenesis. The script also mentions the use of functional MRI imaging to visualize these processes, showing how the brain's activity patterns change when recalling information. Finally, it touches on the importance of understanding the genetic and molecular underpinnings of memory to unlock the mysteries of how the brain transitions from ignorance to knowledge.

Keywords

💡Encoding

Encoding refers to the process by which the brain translates sensory input into a neurological language that it can understand and store. In the context of the video, encoding is the first step in creating a memory, where all the sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and feelings associated with an experience are converted into a form that the brain can process. This is crucial for memory formation as it sets the foundation for how experiences are initially registered in the brain.

💡Consolidation

Consolidation is the process where the brain strengthens and organizes newly acquired information into a coherent pattern, creating associative connections that form a neural circuit. This step is vital for long-term memory retention, as it helps in linking previously unrelated neural activities. In the video, consolidation is described as a process that allows memories to persist for decades by creating enduring changes in the brain's neural architecture.

💡Storage

Storage in the context of memory refers to the long-term retention of information within the brain. The video explains that the brain 'locks in' information by making lasting changes in its neuroanatomy and neurochemistry. This step is essential for the durability of memories, ensuring that the information is retained even after the initial learning or experience has passed.

💡Hippocampus

The hippocampus is a region in the brain that plays a critical role in the formation of new memories. It is mentioned in the video as the part of the brain essential for creating consciously held memories. The hippocampus is also the site of neurogenesis, the birth of new neurons, which is crucial for memory and learning processes.

💡Neurogenesis

Neurogenesis is the process by which new neurons are generated in the brain. The video highlights that neurogenesis occurs in the hippocampus, which is integral to memory formation. The birth of new neurons contributes to the brain's plasticity, allowing it to adapt and change, which is essential for learning and memory.

💡Retrieval

Retrieval is the process of accessing and recalling stored information from memory. In the video, it is described as the final step in the memory process, where the brain activates the neural circuit associated with a particular memory to recall it. This step is crucial for the conscious experience of memory, allowing individuals to revisit past experiences and knowledge.

💡Functional MRI Imaging

Functional MRI imaging is a neuroimaging technique used to measure and map the brain's activity by detecting changes in blood flow. The video uses this concept to illustrate how brain scans can reveal the neural activity associated with memory recall. It shows how different areas of the brain are activated when a person is presented with a stimulus and when they recall that stimulus, demonstrating the physical basis of memory.

💡Neuronal Circuit

A neuronal circuit refers to a network of interconnected neurons that work together to perform a specific function or process information. In the video, the concept of a neuronal circuit is used to explain how memories are formed and retrieved. The brain creates a pattern of associative connections that can be reactivated during memory retrieval, demonstrating the physical pathways of memory.

💡Molecular Events

Molecular events refer to the biochemical processes that occur within cells, including the brain. The video discusses the importance of understanding the molecular events underlying memory formation, which involves genetic and molecular-level changes. These events are crucial for the brain's ability to transition from not knowing something to knowing and remembering it.

💡Neuroanatomy

Neuroanatomy is the study of the structure of the nervous system, particularly the brain. The video mentions enduring changes in neuroanatomy as part of the memory storage process, indicating that the physical structure of the brain changes to accommodate long-term memory. These changes are a testament to the brain's ability to adapt and store information.

💡Neurochemistry

Neurochemistry is the study of the chemical processes and substances that occur in the nervous system, including neurotransmitters and other signaling molecules. The video refers to changes in neurochemistry as part of the memory storage process, suggesting that the brain's chemical environment plays a significant role in how memories are formed and maintained.

Highlights

The brain's uniqueness in creating memories with each new learning experience.

Four basic steps in creating a memory: Encoding, Consolidation, Storage, and Retrieval.

Encoding involves translating sensory information into neurological language.

Consolidation links unrelated neural activity into associative neural circuits.

Storage involves making long-lasting changes in neural architecture for memory retention.

The hippocampus is essential for forming consciously held memories and neurogenesis.

Retrieval allows activation of neural circuits to recall past experiences or learning.

Functional MRI imaging can visualize the brain's activity during memory processes.

Brain scans show distinct neural activity patterns during memory encoding and retrieval.

The importance of attention and learning in the formation of neural activity patterns.

Advances in memory research aim to understand the molecular events of memory formation.

The quest to unravel the genetic and molecular changes that occur in the brain during learning.

The transformative process of the brain from not knowing to knowing something.

The role of specific molecular and genetic changes in memory formation.

The potential of Big Think Plus for businesses to access insights from world's biggest thinkers.

The opportunity for individuals to get smarter faster through educational videos.

Transcripts

- So today,

today has never happened before,

right?

My brain is different every time I remember something new,

anything I learned today;

for me to remember that tomorrow

means my brain had to change.

So what changed?

We don't entirely understand it all.

There are four basic steps in creating a memory:

The first is called Encoding.

This means that your brain takes all of the sights,

the sounds, the smells, the tastes, the feelings,

the information of what you learned or experienced

and translates that into neurological language.

The second step is called consolidation.

Here your brain links together,

all of the previously unrelated neural activity

and connects them into a pattern of associative connections,

a sort of neural circuit that can live for decades.

The third step is Storage.

Your brain locks in this information by making

enduring, long-lasting changes in your neural architecture,

changes in neuroanatomy and neurochemistry

that persists long after you first learned

or experienced the information.

The part of your brain that's essential for forming

all of your consciously held memories

is in your hippocampus.

Where neurogenesis,

which is the birth of new neurons, happens.

The last step is retrieval.

So you got the information in,

to remember it, you want to get the information out.

So this means you can now activate this neural circuit.

And so you can recall, revisit, reminisce,

know something that happened or that you learned before.

We can actually see what's going on through brain scans

through functional MRI imaging.

So if I were to put you in a brain scanner,

and I were to show you a picture of the cast of friends:

So you're looking at this image, and you're seeing

the different characters, Phoebe and Joey,

and you're lighting up in specific areas of your brain

based on what they look like,

and maybe some memories of you watching the show.

I take the image away.

And then I ask you to remember maybe five minutes later,

that picture of the cast of friends.

That neuroimaging will light up in different parts

of your brain at first while it's searching

and then when you say, 'I've got it,'

your brain activity has landed

on the exact same places in your brain

that were lit up and activated

when you were actually looking at the photo.

So the pattern of neural activity is based on

what you paid attention to and learned.

It will be recalled again;

it will be reactivated.

The advances in memory will have a lot to do

with cracking that code of molecular events.

We're trying to understand at a genetic and molecular level,

how does a human brain go from not knowing something

to knowing something?

How does it go from never having experienced

what happened today,

to being able to remember what happened today, tomorrow?

In order for that to happen,

your brain has to change.

And so the science will start to unravel

what those specific changes are

on a molecular and genetic level.

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