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Memory formation mechanism installed

24.08.2020

How does the brain translate information from the outside world into our memories? A group of scientists from the Heidelberg Institute for Theoretical Research (Germany) focused on neural networks in the striatum - a brain structure involved in memory, behavior and reward learning.

This is familiar to all of us: we hear a melody, and it is somehow remembered so that we recognize it even decades later. We look at a Van Gogh painting once, and it is imprinted in our memory for a lifetime. How can something as fleeting as a melody become part of the brain and lead to the formation of memories that shape our behavior?

Information processing in the brain occurs within neural networks interconnected by synapses. Each synapse modification affects how we remember, or how we respond to certain stimuli. One way neural networks change is through the process of synaptic plasticity, where certain synapses either strengthen or weaken over time in response to neuronal activity. By analyzing the networks of biochemical reactions that underlie synaptic modifications, scientists have been able to take a fresh look at the mechanisms of plasticity.

In neurons, information processing occurs with the help of synaptic signals that determine synaptic plasticity. Sometimes even individual molecules - enzymes, proteins, etc. - able to greatly affect the synapses in the networks. One of them is the adenylate cyclase family of enzymes, which can transmit extracellular signals to the intracellular cAMP molecule, one of the main cellular signaling molecules.

In reward learning, cAMP production in the striatum of the brain is critical for strengthening synapses. It is its production and the interaction of neurons through synapses that play an important role in the formation of memories and the ability of the nervous system to learn and adapt to changing conditions.

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Latest news of science and technology, new electronics:

Machine for thinning flowers in gardens 02.05.2024

In modern agriculture, technological progress is developing aimed at increasing the efficiency of plant care processes. The innovative Florix flower thinning machine was presented in Italy, designed to optimize the harvesting stage. This tool is equipped with mobile arms, allowing it to be easily adapted to the needs of the garden. The operator can adjust the speed of the thin wires by controlling them from the tractor cab using a joystick. This approach significantly increases the efficiency of the flower thinning process, providing the possibility of individual adjustment to the specific conditions of the garden, as well as the variety and type of fruit grown in it. After testing the Florix machine for two years on various types of fruit, the results were very encouraging. Farmers such as Filiberto Montanari, who has used a Florix machine for several years, have reported a significant reduction in the time and labor required to thin flowers. ... >>

Advanced Infrared Microscope 02.05.2024

Microscopes play an important role in scientific research, allowing scientists to delve into structures and processes invisible to the eye. However, various microscopy methods have their limitations, and among them was the limitation of resolution when using the infrared range. But the latest achievements of Japanese researchers from the University of Tokyo open up new prospects for studying the microworld. Scientists from the University of Tokyo have unveiled a new microscope that will revolutionize the capabilities of infrared microscopy. This advanced instrument allows you to see the internal structures of living bacteria with amazing clarity on the nanometer scale. Typically, mid-infrared microscopes are limited by low resolution, but the latest development from Japanese researchers overcomes these limitations. According to scientists, the developed microscope allows creating images with a resolution of up to 120 nanometers, which is 30 times higher than the resolution of traditional microscopes. ... >>

Air trap for insects 01.05.2024

Agriculture is one of the key sectors of the economy, and pest control is an integral part of this process. A team of scientists from the Indian Council of Agricultural Research-Central Potato Research Institute (ICAR-CPRI), Shimla, has come up with an innovative solution to this problem - a wind-powered insect air trap. This device addresses the shortcomings of traditional pest control methods by providing real-time insect population data. The trap is powered entirely by wind energy, making it an environmentally friendly solution that requires no power. Its unique design allows monitoring of both harmful and beneficial insects, providing a complete overview of the population in any agricultural area. “By assessing target pests at the right time, we can take necessary measures to control both pests and diseases,” says Kapil ... >>

The threat of space debris to the Earth's magnetic field 01.05.2024

More and more often we hear about an increase in the amount of space debris surrounding our planet. However, it is not only active satellites and spacecraft that contribute to this problem, but also debris from old missions. The growing number of satellites launched by companies like SpaceX creates not only opportunities for the development of the Internet, but also serious threats to space security. Experts are now turning their attention to the potential implications for the Earth's magnetic field. Dr. Jonathan McDowell of the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics emphasizes that companies are rapidly deploying satellite constellations, and the number of satellites could grow to 100 in the next decade. The rapid development of these cosmic armadas of satellites can lead to contamination of the Earth's plasma environment with dangerous debris and a threat to the stability of the magnetosphere. Metal debris from used rockets can disrupt the ionosphere and magnetosphere. Both of these systems play a key role in protecting the atmosphere and maintaining ... >>

Solidification of bulk substances 30.04.2024

There are quite a few mysteries in the world of science, and one of them is the strange behavior of bulk materials. They may behave like a solid but suddenly turn into a flowing liquid. This phenomenon has attracted the attention of many researchers, and we may finally be getting closer to solving this mystery. Imagine sand in an hourglass. It usually flows freely, but in some cases its particles begin to get stuck, turning from a liquid to a solid. This transition has important implications for many areas, from drug production to construction. Researchers from the USA have attempted to describe this phenomenon and come closer to understanding it. In the study, the scientists conducted simulations in the laboratory using data from bags of polystyrene beads. They found that the vibrations within these sets had specific frequencies, meaning that only certain types of vibrations could travel through the material. Received ... >>

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Action Camera Garmin VIRB 360 24.05.2017

Garmin has introduced the VIRB 360, a rugged compact panoramic camera designed for athletes, adventurers and outdoor enthusiasts.

The device is endowed with two 12-megapixel CMOS sensors and two optical blocks on opposite sides of the body, which allows you to capture video materials with a 360-degree view. Four built-in microphones are responsible for recording sound from different directions.

The action camera can record video in quality up to 5.7K at 30 frames per second. In addition, it is possible to shoot panoramic photos with a resolution of up to 5640 x 2816 pixels ("gluing" images is carried out directly in the camera). For storage of materials, a microSD memory card with a capacity of up to 128 GB is used.

The novelty supports wireless Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, ANT+ and NFC technologies. The set of sensors includes a GPS/GLONASS satellite navigation system receiver, an accelerometer, a barometer, a gyroscope, and an electronic compass.

The camera is characterized by a waterproof design: it can withstand immersion under water to a depth of 10 meters. Dimensions are 39,0 x 59,3 x 69,8 mm, weight - 160 grams with a rechargeable battery, the charge of which is enough for about one hour of shooting.

The action camera Garmin VIRB 360 will go on sale in June at an estimated price of 800 USD.

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