Science
Mice retain memories despite losing over half of brain synapses during induced hibernation
Researchers found that artificial torpor eliminates most synaptic connections in mice without erasing stored memory.
The short version
- Neuroscientists induced a hibernation-like state in non-hibernating mice by stimulating specific hypothalamic neurons.
- The process dismantled more than half of the animals' synapses, yet the mice preserved their memories upon waking.
- The findings challenge established models regarding how long-term memories are physically anchored in synaptic connections.
Key facts
- A study published in Science found that placing mice in an induced hibernation-like state erased more than 50% of their synapses.[Ars Technica]
- Despite substantial loss of synaptic structures, the mice appeared to retain their memories.[Ars Technica]
- The research was led by Kazumasa Tanaka of the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University in collaboration with Takeshi Sakurai of the University of Tsukuba.[Ars Technica]
- The hibernation-like state was triggered by activating a population of hypothalamic cells known as Q neurons, using a method developed in June 2020.[Ars Technica]
What remains uncertain
- The biological mechanism enabling memories to persist despite widespread synaptic degradation remains unexplained.[Ars Technica]