Johns Hopkins Research Refutes Old Model of Long-Term Memory Formation

A study by Johns Hopkins researchers has shown that a widely accepted model of long-term memory formation hinging on a single enzyme in the brain is flawed. The new study, published in the Jan. 2, 2013, issue of Nature, found that mice lacking the enzyme that purportedly builds memory were still able to form long-term memories, just as well as normal mice could.

“The prevailing theory is that when you learn something, you strengthen connections between your brain cells called synapses,” explains Richard Huganir, PhD., a professor and director of the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine’s Department of Neuroscience. “The question is, how exactly does this strengthening happen?” For more information, click here to read the full release.