Etched In Stone

Etched In Stone September 15, 2009 September 11, 2001 is a day etched deeply into the memories of many Americans. You remember where you were, who you were with and what you were doing. But why? Why does this memory standout among so many other memories? Associate professor Ashok Hedge, PhD, and associates are studying the mechanism of long-term memory. "Although many things are known about memories that form from repeat experiences, not much is known with regard to how some memories form with just one exposure." A current study at Wake Forest University shows that when an event triggers strong emotion, anatomical changes take place in the brain to solidify the memory. Connections between nerve cells are structurally strengthened and you construct a memory that can last a lifetime complete with vivid details such as 9/11. When strong emotion is experienced norepinephrine is released in the brain. This chemical then releases PKC-alpha (Protein Kinase C, alpha form). "The fact that PKC-alpha is activated through the release of norepinephrine is an important discovery. It explains how strong memories form for specific sensory experiences." Dr Hegde performed experiments with female mice. Read More     Easy Steps to Stay Healthy While on Vacation   Accumulate Miles Not Pounds   Controlling Inflammation Reduces Heart Disease To unsubscribe or change subscriber options   click here .

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