What is Memory and Does It Have Limits?
Memory is the ability to store, remember and recall the experiences, knowledge and skills of humans and other living things. Our brains exhibit a complex process when creating this information. However, research on the limits and functioning of memory reveals how deep and complex these processes are. In particular, how past experiences interact with new information and what mechanisms play a role in forgetting are among the topics that scientists focus on.
What is Catastrophic Forgetting?
Don't forget the disaster, describes the loss or impact of existing information as new information is acquired. This concept is particularly important for understanding the similarities between AI and the human brain. For example, AI systems may tend to delete old information when it conflicts with existing data when processing new data. This is similarly observed in the human brain.
The Relationship Between Brain and Sleep
Recent research has shown that the brain is involved in the processes that create memory. of sleep shows how critical a role it plays. During sleep, the brain reviews past experiences and processes new information. This process is very important for the consolidation and organization of memories. REM sleep, in particular, plays a decisive role in the processing of emotional memories and complex information.
Studies on Mice
Researchers at Cornell University have demonstrated in experiments on mice how the brain processes memories and how new information interacts with existing memories. Mice provide an excellent model for observing how old and new memories are processed during different stages of their sleep cycle. Studies have shown that the dilation and constriction of the mice’s pupils separate the processes of storing old and new memories.
The Role of the Pupils
Observing pupils in brain research provides scientists with important clues. As pupils dilate and constrict in certain situations, these changes are thought to play a critical role in determining what types of memories the brain processes. For example, when pupils dilate, the brain stores old memories; when they constrict, new memories are processed. This offers a new understanding of how memory works.
Genetically Modified Mice and Memory
In studies, genetically modified mice have been used to better understand the functioning of brain cells. Since these mice have special genes that respond to light, scientists can activate brain cells in a certain way and observe memory processes. Such experiments help us better understand how memories are formed and how new information interacts with existing information.
Experiments on Erasing Memory
In research, various experiments have been conducted on the learning abilities of mice and how their memories can be erased. It is possible to map which neurons are active in the brains of mice when they learn to find the right path in a particular maze. However, as a result of manipulations on neurons, it has been observed that the mice cannot remember the information they have just learned. This contributes to a better understanding of the brain's mechanisms for processing and storing memories.
Alzheimer's and Memory Problems
The potential impact of these studies on human health is also quite significant. Understanding how memory works and why memories are lost, especially in diseases such as Alzheimer's, can be an important step in developing treatment methods. By better understanding the role of sleep in the processing of memory, scientists aim to develop new methods for treating various disorders in the future.
Artificial Intelligence and Memory
Research in the field of artificial intelligence also allows the development of processes similar to the functioning of human memory. In order for artificial intelligence systems to process memory more effectively, it is important to take inspiration from the working principles of the human brain. Such studies have great potential for both artificial intelligence and human health.
In conclusion, research on memory and its limits raises many questions, while at the same time allowing for the development of new methods to find answers to these questions. The complex structure of the human brain and the functioning of memory continue to be an area waiting to be thoroughly investigated in the scientific world.
