Scientists have captured for the first time the image of memory formation.

Scientists have captured for the first time the image of memory
formation.

An international team has in fact got the image of a mechanism,
specifically protein translation, which underlies long-term memory
formation, a finding which shows when a new memory is formed new
proteins are made locally at the synapse -- the connection between nerve
cells.

And, according to the scientists, this increases the strength of the
synaptic connection and reinforces the memory.

"An important step in long-term memory formation is 'translation', or
the production, of new proteins locally at the synapse strengthening
synaptic connection in reinforcement of a memory, which until now has
never been imaged.

"Using a translational reporter, a fluorescent protein that can be
easily detected and tracked we directly visualised the increased local
translation, or protein synthesis, during memory formation.

"Importantly, this translation was synapse-specific and it required
activation of the post-synaptic cell, showing that this step required
cooperation between the pre and post -synaptic compartments, the parts
of the two neurons that meet at the synapse.

"Thus highly regulated local translation occurs at synapses during
long-term plasticity and requires trans- synaptic signals," lead
scientist Dr Wayne Sossin of Montreal Neurological Institute and
Hospital said.

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