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2024-11-11

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Memory is stored in cells throughout the body, not just the brain (www.earth.com)

submitted 1 month ago by [email protected] to c/science

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In this study, the scientists simulated the process of spaced learning by examining two types of non-brain human cells — one from nerve tissue and one from kidney tissue — in a laboratory setting.

These cells were exposed to varying patterns of chemical signals, akin to the exposure of brain cells to neurotransmitter patterns when we learn new information.

The intriguing part? These non-brain cells also switched on a “memory gene” – the same gene that brain cells activate when they detect information patterns and reorganize their connections to form memories.

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[–] herrvogel 4 points 1 month ago (1 children)

One of Iain M. Banks' Culture novels has an exceptionally old character who is so exceptionally old that he's had to turn most of his body into memory storage (sounds weird if you think in terms of computers) to keep remembering things. He stores his sexy memories in his balls.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 month ago (1 children)

Don't remember that char, can you refresh my memory (I am fully aware of the irony given the topic under discussion)

[–] herrvogel 4 points 1 month ago

He's in Hydrogen Sonata. The mcguffin guy who everyone is trying to find and talk to because he's the only person who's old enough to remember some very important thing about the early days of the Culture.