Forgetting may not be a failure of memory but an adaptive mechanism crucial for learning and decision-making, according to research led by Dr. Tomás Ryan. Memories stored in engrams can be reactivated or replaced, and forgetting is influenced by environmental cues through retroactive interference. This process can be seen as a form of learning, allowing the brain to interact with a changing environment. Researchers were able to reactivate forgotten memories in mice by exposing them to old environments or using light to activate specific engram cells. This discovery offers new insights into memory loss and potential treatments for diseases like Alzheimer’s.
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Forget to Learn | Medical News Bulletin
