For centuries, scientists believed that memory was strictly a function of the brain. While brain cells, or neurons, have long been known to store and process memories, recent research has uncovered a surprising discovery: memory may not be confined to the brain. A groundbreaking study led by Nikolay V. Kukushkin at New York University (NYU) suggests that non-brain cells—such as those from nerve and kidney tissue—can also learn and form memories. This new finding challenges our understanding of memory. It could lead to innovative ways to enhance learning and treat memory-related conditions.
NON-BRAIN CELLS CAN FORM MEMORIES
In a study published in Nature Communications, Kukushkin and his team investigated how non-brain cells respond to learning. The researchers exposed human nerve and kidney cells in the laboratory to different chemical signals. These signals are similar to the neurotransmitters that brain cells experience when learning new information. The results were astonishing. Non-brain cells, just like brain cells, activated a “memory gene”. These cells activated this gene when exposed to the chemical pulses. This process allowed them to form memories.
To track this process, the scientists engineered the cells to produce a glowing protein, indicating when the memory gene was activated. They discovered that these cells could recognize repeated chemical signals in spaced intervals. This is a key feature of the well-known “massed-spaced effect.” This principle suggests that we learn better when information is presented in intervals. We do not learn as efficiently in a single, intensive session (commonly referred to as cramming).
MASSED-SPACED EFFECT IN ACTION
When the chemical pulses were delivered in spaced intervals, the memory gene in the non-brain cells was activated more strongly. The activation lasted for a longer duration compared to when the pulses were delivered all at once. This mirrored what happens in the brain when we learn through spaced repetition.
“This reflects the massed-space effect in action,” says Kukushkin, a clinical associate professor of life science at NYU Liberal Studies. “It shows that the ability to learn from spaced repetition isn’t unique to brain cells. This ability might be a fundamental property of all cells.”
This discovery raises intriguing questions about the biological underpinnings of memory and learning. It suggests that the processes that help our brains retain information might also apply to other cells in the body. These processes could occur in cells in the pancreas or even in cancer cells.
IMPLICATIONS FOR LEARNING AND HEALTH
The implications of this discovery go beyond mere academic curiosity. It opens up exciting possibilities for enhancing learning and addressing memory-related conditions. By understanding how non-brain cells contribute to memory formation, scientists may develop new methods to boost cognitive function. They could also treat memory disorders like Alzheimer’s disease or other neurodegenerative conditions.
Kukushkin believes that this discovery could also have significant implications for overall health. He suggests that we may need to rethink the “memory” of cells outside the brain. This new perspective could become necessary in the future. Consider the pancreas: could it “remember” the patterns of past meals to help regulate blood glucose levels more effectively? Or could cancer cells retain information about chemotherapy treatments, potentially aiding in the development of more targeted therapies?
“This discovery opens new doors for understanding how memory works. It could lead to better ways to enhance learning. It may also help treat memory problems,” Kukushkin observes.
FUTURE RESEARCH DIRECTIONS
While this research offers a fresh perspective on memory, scientists are still exploring its full implications. Future studies will likely focus on understanding other types of non-brain cells. These include cells in the immune system. They might play a role in memory and learning. The idea that all cells might have a memory function is transformative. It could revolutionize how we approach everything from chronic diseases to personalized medicine.
Kukushkin and his team’s groundbreaking work has the potential to reshape how we think about the body and memory. It paves the way for new treatments and therapies. These treatments target cellular memory systems across the entire body.
