Study reveals how experiences boost memory

0 The new brain research is being led by Edinburgh University Why are people able to recall where they were when major events such as 11 September, 2001, take place? New research may have the answer.

A study led by a team from the University of Edinburgh has shed new light on the biological mechanisms that drive the process, known as “flashbulb memory”.

The research, involving mice, reveals how attentiongrabbing experiences acti- vate a specific area of the brain, which then releases memory-boosting chemicals.

The findings help to explain why people retain information better if something distracts their attention either just before or just after a memory is stored in their brain.

Experts said that the research could bring fresh insights to support learning in the classroom.

Researchers placed mice in an arena to search for hidden food that changed location each day. They found animals that had a new experience within 30 minutes of being trained to remember the food location – such as exploring an unfamiliar surface – were better at remembering where to find food the next day.

The phenomenon is linked to release of a chemical called dopamine from an area of the brain known as the locus coeruleus, the team showed.

Brain cells in the locus coeruleus carry dopamine to another area of the brain, the hippocampus, which controls the formation of memories.

Professor Richard Morris, of the Centre for Cognitive and Neural Systems at the University of Edinburgh, said: “Little surprises happen all the time in subtle ways that reflect our personal lives and interests.

“Somehow, the novelty of surprise creates a halo of better memory for all the otherwise trivial events of one’s day that we ordinarily forget.

“Our research suggests a skilful teacher may be able to take advantage of these surprises to help pupils learn.”