For decades, we believed memory was a function exclusive to the brain. However, new research from Dr. Nikolay Kukushkin at New York University (NYU) has revealed a groundbreaking discovery: non-neuronal cells, including kidney and nerve cells, can also “remember” stimuli.

Memory Genes in Non-Brain Cells

• The study found that when non-neural cells receive specific chemical signals, they activate a “memory gene” similar to neurons.

• This suggests that memory is not confined to the brain, but can exist in various cells throughout the body.

• Dr. Kukushkin’s research has been published in Nature Communications.

The Role of Intermittent Signals

• Cells that received signals at short intervals showed longer-lasting memory gene activation, whereas cells exposed to a single continuous signal had weaker memory.

• This phenomenon, previously known as the “spacing effect” in neurons, applies to non-neuronal cells as well.

Tracking Cellular Memory

• NYU researchers inserted a reporter gene into the cells that glows when the memory gene is activated, allowing real-time tracking of memory responses.

• Cells signaled intermittently had stronger and more durable memory gene activation, demonstrating that timing is crucial for cellular memory.

Implications

• This discovery could have a major impact on treatments for memory-related disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease.

• It also hints that educational methods might benefit from periodic reinforcement, as intermittent cues appear to strengthen memory retention.

In short, memory is not just a brain function—it’s a cellular function throughout the body, and understanding this could transform medicine and learning strategies.