The brain learns new things just in a dream

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A new study revealed some essential characteristics of the process of learning new skills and forming long memories It may help in the future to develop gadgets and tools that make life easier for victims of paralysis.

Scientists from Brown University in the US have made a discovery that may explain how the brain learns and forms memories. Theoretically, the obtained data can be used in the development of various means of assistance to victims of neurological disorders or injuries. The authors of the study observed laboratory mice and discovered a phenomenon of repeated reproduction that occurs in sleep.

It is a strategy used by the brain to remember new information. If, for example, a laboratory mouse was taught to find a way through a maze, special tracking devices showed specific patterns of brain cells or neurons that lit up when the correct path was chosen.

However, later, when the animal was in a state of sleep, the devices again showed the activation of these neurons in the same order. Thus, according to scientists, the information that the animal received during the day was reproduced in the animal's brain. This was necessary in order to postpone data for recall and consolidate memories.

It was about converting short memories into long ones. However, these processes were recorded only in mice, and it was necessary to check how developed they are in humans.

Prior to this, a special device was created that also monitors the brain activity of people who performed various memory and attention tasks. with the help of an electronic game.

And in volunteers who slept at night, the same sequence in the activation of neurons was noted as during the day, when they correctly performed their tasks.