Live data from Hacker News

Neuroscientists discover molecular mechanism that allows memories to form (2020)

news.mit.edu

11–20 of 88 posts

Re: Neuroscientists discover molecular mechanism that allows memories to form (2020)

#11
post #4

I wonder what the significance of this mechanism vs long term potentiation (LTP) is. Any insights?

From the article it sounds like it may describe another level of reduction to LTP. So, rather than 'this mechanism vs. LTP' it offers a potential genetic mechanism that may explain the changes to neuronal growth during memory formation.

Re: Neuroscientists discover molecular mechanism that allows memories to form (2020)

#12
What's interesting is that there is a category of specific neurons (called engram neurons) in which this process of chromatin-based memory formation occurs.

It would be really cool to know how these neurons are different, and how and when they differentiate.

Re: Neuroscientists discover molecular mechanism that allows memories to form (2020)

#13
Maybe one day we'll have pills to have total recall for a few hours, wouldn't that be cool for exams and learning languages ? I much prefer that than a chip in my head which the silicon valley seems super keen on selling me.

Re: Neuroscientists discover molecular mechanism that allows memories to form (2020)

#14
I often wonder why universities post these press releases for the general public. Epigenetic modifications and memory is still basic research in early investigation, known to play a role in memory extinction and reconsolidation for example, but this is still too early research to make any concrete announcements that would have actionable information, esp. for the general public.

Re: Neuroscientists discover molecular mechanism that allows memories to form (2020)

#17

I often wonder why universities post these press releases for the general public. Epigenetic modifications and memory is still basic research in early investigation, known to play a role in memory extinction and reconsolidation for example, but this is still too early research to make any concrete announcements that would have actionable information, esp. for the general public.

Because people need something to talk about and universities benefit from the publicity perhaps?

Re: Neuroscientists discover molecular mechanism that allows memories to form (2020)

#18

Maybe one day we'll have pills to have total recall for a few hours, wouldn't that be cool for exams and learning languages ? I much prefer that than a chip in my head which the silicon valley seems super keen on selling me.

Reminds me of the book "There is no Antimemetics Division" where they take mnestics so they don't forget entities with antimemetic properties.

Re: Neuroscientists discover molecular mechanism that allows memories to form (2020)

#19

Maybe one day we'll have pills to have total recall for a few hours, wouldn't that be cool for exams and learning languages ? I much prefer that than a chip in my head which the silicon valley seems super keen on selling me.

My memory is generally terrible. One discovery that was alarming, encouraging and disturbing at the same time is that I do appear to have some form of nearly total recall buried in there somewhere.

Unfortunately it only surfaces in one way. If I listen to a podcast while I’m doing something, then listen to that same podcast again within a week or so, I will have regular, intrusive visual recall of exactly what I was doing the last time I heard whatever passage the podcast I was listening to. The recall is synchronized down to the word with the podcast, and is vividly detailed and colorful and includes some sensation of feeling as well.

It’s weird and cool at the same time. One of these days I’d like to do an experiment where I videotape myself listening to the podcast, wait a week, then listen to it again and record myself describing what I see in my mind to test how accurate it is.

Re: Neuroscientists discover molecular mechanism that allows memories to form (2020)

#20
post #19

Maybe one day we'll have pills to have total recall for a few hours, wouldn't that be cool for exams and learning languages ? I much prefer that than a chip in my head which the silicon valley seems super keen on selling me.

My memory is generally terrible. One discovery that was alarming, encouraging and disturbing at the same time is that I do appear to have some form of nearly total recall buried in there somewhere. Unfortunately it only surfaces in one way. If I listen to a podcast while I’m doing something, then listen to that same podcast again within a week or so, I will have regular, intrusive visual recall of exactly what I was…

This is cool. Will try it.
Post reply on HN