It appears possible to model the
brain’s response to learning stimuli in order to optimize memory at least. We are still a long way from having an
effective protocol but we now know such a protocol should exist.
God knows we all could use the
advice. I doubt that it will be too
simple if only because the comparable was a simple pattern that should have
possibly helped but clearly did not.
Forget simple and figure it out the hard way through trial and error.
In the end, a learning protocol
will by itself have a positive effect on the learning process by creating an
independent focus as is done in memory systems.
Sea snails help scientists explore a possible way to enhance memory
by Staff Writers
Efforts to help people with learning impairments are being aided by a
species of sea snail known as Aplysia californica. The mollusk, which is used
by researchers to study the brain, has much in common with other species
including humans. Research involving the snail has contributed to the understanding
of learning and memory.
At The University
of Texas Health Science Center
The proof-of-principle study was published on the Nature Neuroscience
website on Dec. 25. The next steps in the research may involve tests in other
animal models and eventually humans.
The strategy was used to identify times when the brain was primed
for learning, which in turn facilitated the scheduling of learning sessions
during these peak periods. The result was a significant increase in memory.
"We found that memory could be enhanced appreciably," said
John H. "Jack" Byrne, Ph.D., senior author and chair of the
Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy at the UTHealth Medical School.
Building on earlier research that identified proteins linked to memory,
the investigators created a mathematical model that tells researchers when the
timing of the activity of these proteins is aligned for the best learning
experience.
Right now, the scheduling of learning sessions is based on trial and
error and is somewhat arbitrary. If the model proves effective in follow-up
studies, it could be used to identify those periods when learning potential is
highest.
"When you give a training session, you are starting several different
chemical reactions. If you give another session, you get additional effects.
The idea is to get the sessions in sync," Byrne said. "We have
developed a way to adjust the training sessions so they are tuned to the
dynamics of the biochemical processes."
Two groups of snails received five learning sessions. One group
received learning sessions at irregular intervals as predicted by a
mathematical model. Another group received training sessions in regular
20-minute intervals.
Five days after the learning sessions were completed, a significant
increase in memory was detected in the group that was trained with a schedule
predicted by a computer. But, no increase was detected in the group with the
regular 20-minute intervals.
The computer sorted through 10,000 different permutations in order to
determine a schedule that would enhance memory.
To confirm their findings, researchers analyzed nerve cells in the
brain of snails and found greater activity in the ones receiving the enhanced
training schedule, said Byrne, the June and Virgil Waggoner Chair of
Neurobiology and Anatomy at UTHealth.
"This study shows the feasibility of using computational
methods to assist in the design of training schedules that enhance
memory," Byrne said.
Other contributors from the UTHealth Department of Neurobiology and
Anatomy include lead authors Yili Zhang, Ph.D., research fellow, and Rong-Yu
Liu, Ph.D., senior research scientist, as well as George A. Heberton, medical
student; Paul Smolen, Ph.D., assistant professor; Douglas A. Baxter, Ph.D.,
professor; and Len Cleary, Ph.D., professor.
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This was really a informative blog, depicting that the sea nails also helps scientists in exploring the possible ways to enhance memory.
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