Revolutionary Theory Unveils the Intricacies of Memory Storage in the Brain
Researchers propose a new theory of systems consolidation, the process of transferring memories from the hippocampus to the neocortex, suggesting that memories are consolidated in the neocortex only if they improve generalization. This theory challenges the classical view that all memories eventually move to the neocortex. Using a mathematical neural network model, the researchers demonstrate that the amount of consolidation depends on the generalizability of a memory, rather than its age. Further experiments will be conducted to test the theory's predictions and explore how the brain distinguishes predictable and unpredictable components of memories. Understanding memory consolidation can have implications for cognition, human health, and artificial intelligence.