A groundbreaking study published in Nature Communications has revealed that nerve tissue cells and kidneys can 'remember' and learn in ways similar to brain cells. Researchers from New York University conducted experiments using the massed-spaced learning effect, which involves spacing out information over regular intervals, rather than cramming. This method was applied to two types of human non-brain cells: nerve cells and kidney cells.
When chemical signals were administered in pulses—mimicking the action of neurotransmitters in the brain—these non-brain cells activated the memory gene, the same gene that brain cells turn on to identify patterns and create memories. Lead researcher Nikolay Kukushkin noted that this suggests a need to consider the memory capabilities of our entire body, not just the brain. He highlighted the potential implications for understanding how other organs, like the pancreas, might 'remember' patterns that influence health.
This study builds on previous findings in other species, such as the planarian flatworm, which retains memories even after being cut into pieces. New worms formed from the original have shown the ability to respond to stimuli they learned as part of the whole. Similarly, hibernating animals, despite significant brain changes, have been shown to retain memories after waking.
Historically, memory has been thought to reside in synapses—the connections between neurons. However, a 2015 study on sea slugs indicated that memories could also be stored within the neuron itself. This challenges the traditional understanding of memory storage and suggests that cellular memory might extend beyond the brain.
Further research has explored the concept of 'cell memory' beyond the immune system, where cells learn to recognize pathogens. This area of study relates to epigenetics, where environmental factors influence genetic expression across generations. While still a developing field, there is evidence suggesting that memories and preferences could be transferred through organ transplants, with some patients reporting personality changes linked to their donors.
Overall, this emerging perspective on memory calls into question the long-held belief that memory is solely a product of the brain. The evidence points towards a more integrated understanding of how experiences and memories might be stored throughout the body, suggesting that our identities are deeply intertwined with our cellular makeup.