Researchers at Tohoku University have found that astrocytes play a critical role in determining the formation of long-term memories. They discovered that acidifying astrocytes did not affect short-term memory but prevented the retention of memories in the long term. By using optogenetics to manipulate astrocyte function, they found that stimulating astrocytes in the amygdala impacted fear memory formation. This research challenges previous beliefs about memory formation, suggesting that short-term and long-term memory processes may develop in parallel. Understanding how astrocytes regulate emotional memory could lead to new therapeutic approaches for conditions like PTSD.
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Manipulating astrocytes affects long-term memory, researchers discover
