In a landmark neurobiology study, scientists from Scripps Research have discovered a memory gating system that employs the neurotransmitter dopamine to direct transient forgetting, a temporary lapse of memory which spontaneously returns.
The study adds a new pin to scientists’ evolving map of how learning, memory and active forgetting work, says Scripps Research Neuroscience Professor Ron Davis, PhD.
“This is the first time a mechanism has been discovered for transient memory lapse,” Davis says. “There’s every reason to believe, because of conservation biology, that a similar mechanism exists in humans as well.”
The study, “Dopamine-based mechanism for transient forgetting,” appears Wednesday in the journal Nature.
Everyone has experienced transient forgetting. A name sits on the tip of our tongue, but resurfaces only after a meeting. We walk into a room and forget why we entered –…
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