Recent research published in Science Advances uncovers key insights into memory formation and recognition in the developing human brain. Scientists studying intracranial EEG recordings from patients revealed that recognition relies on two processes: reinstatement and transformation of memory traces, localized to the temporal and parietal cortices. The findings also highlight the roles of generalization and differentiation in memory, showcasing how the brain encodes and retrieves memories in various formats. This study deepens our understanding of the neural mechanisms engaged during cognitive tasks involving memory in children and young adults.
"Our key finding is that recognition is supported by two distinct processes: reinstatement and transformation of memory traces initially formed during learning. We localized these processes to different regions of the brain and, in doing so, discovered how memory traces are reinstated and transformed to support successful recognition," Johnson and co-authors said.
"While scientists have been able to study the parts of the brain involved in memory formation and retrieval, how these processes are implemented by different parts of the brain has remained poorly understood," said Elizabeth Johnson, PhD.
"The findings also uncovered the roles of generalization and differentiation in neural networks, which allow the brain to adaptively encode and retrieve memories in visual and abstract formats," the study noted.
"Reinstatement of items occurs in the temporal cortex, while transformation takes place in the parietal cortex, according to the study."
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