Neural and behavioural state switching during hippocampal dentate spikes. (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38480889/)

These scientists were curious about how our brains work when we are not actively moving around or doing things. They knew that our brains have different patterns of activity when we are resting or sleeping compared to when we are awake and moving. They wanted to understand how our brains can still process information and form memories even when we are not actively engaged in activities.

To study this, the scientists focused on a specific part of the brain called the hippocampus, which is important for memory and learning. They discovered a new type of brain activity called a "dentate spike" that happens in between other known brain events. They found that these dentate spikes are linked to increased activity in different parts of the brain, especially in areas involved in higher-level thinking.

The scientists also observed that these dentate spikes are related to moments of alertness or arousal in the brain. When these spikes occur, the brain seems to pay attention to the environment and the current location of the individual, unlike other brain activities that are more focused on replaying memories.

By studying these dentate spikes and their effects on memory formation, the scientists concluded that these spikes play a crucial role in helping us remember things even when we are not actively moving around. This new discovery expands our understanding of how our brains work and how we form memories, even when we are not actively engaged in activities.

Farrell JS., Hwaun E., Dudok B., Soltesz I. Neural and behavioural state switching during hippocampal dentate spikes. Nature. 2024 Mar 13. doi: 10.1038/s41586-024-07192-8.