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The brain in motion: How ensemble fluidity drives memory-updating and flexibility
William Mau1, Michael E Hasselmo2, Denise J Cai1
1Neuroscience Department, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, United States.
Elife
|December 29, 2020
Summary
Neural firing patterns, or neural drift, are not memory instability but crucial for updating memories. Memories are dynamic network states that evolve with new experiences, not static records.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Science
- Memory Research
Background:
- Traditional views consider memories static representations.
- Neural firing patterns are often seen as noise or instability.
- Dynamic environments require continuous memory adaptation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To re-evaluate the role of neural drift in memory.
- To propose a framework reconciling stable memory traces with neural drift.
- To explore mechanisms of memory updating.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on memory and neural dynamics.
- Analysis of how neuronal ensembles are dynamically recruited.
- Examination of excitability and functional connectivity in memory formation.
Main Results:
- Neural drift is essential for updating memory representations.
- Memory updating involves dynamic recruitment of neuronal ensembles.
- Memories are flexible network states, not fixed entities.
Conclusions:
- Continual memory modification reconciles classical memory theories with neural drift.
- Memories actively evolve and change over time and experience.
- Understanding memory as a dynamic process is crucial for neuroscience.
Keywords:
engrammemory allocationmemory consolidationmemory flexibilitymemory updatingneural ensembleneuroscienceMore Related Videos
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