People have different memory abilities, and researchers at the University of Basel wanted to figure out why.
They found that certain signals in the brain are connected to these differences.
While we already know that specific parts of the brain are important for memory, it wasn't clear if these areas work differently in people with good or bad memory.
How it was tested
To investigate, a research team conducted the largest memory study in the world.
They asked nearly 1,500 people aged 18 to 35 to look at and remember 72 images while their brain activity was recorded using MRI.
Afterward, they were asked to recall as many images as they could, and, like in the general population, some had better memories than others.
The researchers found that in certain brain regions, like the hippocampus, there was a direct link between brain activity during memorization and how well a person remembered.
Those with better memories showed stronger brain activity in these areas.
However, there was no such link in other memory-related brain areas in the occipital cortex.
The researchers also discovered functional brain networks connected to memory.
These networks are groups of brain regions that work together to handle complex processes, like storing information.
Why it's important
While this study helps us understand why people have different memory abilities, it's important to note that a person's brain signals alone can't predict how good their memory is.
This research is valuable for future studies aiming to connect biological features, like genetics, with brain signals.
