6/28/2010 PERMALINK
New research reveals for the first time the mechanism by which memories are formed. University of Leicester : 'We found one of the key proteins involved in the process of memory and learning,' said Andrew Tobin, Professor of Cell Biology. 'This protein is present in the part of the brain in which memories are stored. We have found that in order for any memory to be laid down this protein, called the M3-muscarinic receptor, has to be activated. We have also determined that this protein undergoes a very specific change during the formation of a memory - and that this change is an essential part of memory formation. In this regard our study reveals at least one of the molecular mechanisms that are operating in the brain when we form a memory and as such this represents a major break through in our understanding of how we lay down memories.'