Learning to Learn II – Learning Can Increase the Biological Capacity to Learn
I explained in my book on memory that the hippocampus is the brain structure that promotes consolidation of (declarative) short-term memories into long-term memories. I have also reviewed studies showing that the hippocampus is the one structure in the brain that clearly receives newborn nerve cells, even in the adult. New cells can enhance the ability of the hippocampus to create lasting memories. What has not been emphasized is the importance of survival of new neurons. To be of lasting benefit, new neurons must survive beyond just being born.
Insight into the requirements for neuron survival has come in a recent study by J. R. Epp and colleagues at the
Immediately after injection of the marker, the experimenters trained the rats in a large pool of water that had a safe platform located 2 cm under the water surface where rats could learn its location from seeing cues outside of the pool (such as windows, doors, pictures on the wall, etc.). Other studies had established that learning this task is accomplished by the hippocampus. Rats were divided into groups and trained on days 1-5, 6-10, or 11-15 after injection of the DNA marker. The new-DNA marker showed up only in rats trained on days 6-10 after marker injection. This indicated that there must have been new neurons in the hippocampus of these rats that did not survive in the two groups where marker was not seen. Put another way, for new neurons to survive there is a critical period where they have to be stimulated by learning experiences. Without that stimulus, they die.
Tags: Behavioural Neuroscience, DNA, Source EppRelated posts
Gene therapy helps memory
A new research report just out shows that gene therapy, targeted against stress hormones, helps memory. As I explain in my book, stress hormones are bad for memory.
Here is the press release:
Contact: Mark Shwartz
mshwartz@stanford.edu
650-723-9296
Stanford University
Scientists use gene therapy to improve memory and learning in animals
Stanford University neuroscientists have designed a gene that enhances memory and learning ability in animals under stress. Writing in the Nov. 8 issue of the Journal of Neuroscience, the Stanford team says that the experimental technique might one day lead to new forms of gene therapy that can reduce the severe neurological side effects of steroids, which are prescribed to millions of patients with arthritis, asthma and other illnesses.
Tags: Andrea Nicholas, Contact Mark Shwartzmshwartz, DNA, Mary College