Coordinating brain-distributed network activities in memory resistant to extinction. (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38242086/)

These scientists wanted to understand how certain memories can stay in our brains even when we try to forget them. They focused on a memory related to cocaine experience in mice. To study this, they looked at different parts of the mouse brain, including the prefrontal cortex, nucleus accumbens, amygdala, hippocampus, and ventral tegmental area.

They found that when the mice were recalling the memory, there was a special pattern of brain activity that happened across these different brain regions. This pattern was like a dance between the neurons, happening at a specific frequency called beta-frequency (15-25 Hz). It was like the brain regions were talking to each other.

The scientists also discovered that a specific pathway in the brain, controlled by a slower oscillation (4-Hz), played a role in activating this coordinated brain activity. This activation helped the memory to stay strong and prevented the mice from forgetting about their cocaine experience.

The scientists think that this coordinated brain activity, happening in a specific pattern and timing, is an important way for memories to stay strong and influence our behavior. Understanding these patterns could help scientists find ways to weaken or erase certain memories that may be harmful or unwanted.

Clarke-Williams CJ., Lopes-Dos-Santos V., Lefevre L., Brizee D., Causse AA., Rothaermel R., Hartwich K., Perestenko PV., Toth R., McNamara CG., Sharott A., Dupret D. Coordinating brain-distributed network activities in memory resistant to extinction. Cell. 2024 Jan 18;187(2):409-427.e19. doi: 10.1016/j.cell.2023.12.018.