Can memories only be stored in the brain? Scientists at New York University (NYU) have found something surprising: memory abilities might not be limited to brain cells. Their research shows that cells outside the brain, like those in kidney and nerve tissue, may also be able to hold memory-like information. This discovery could help us learn more about how memory works and might even lead to new ways to treat health conditions related to memory.

How non-brain cells show memory-like qualities

The study, published in Nature Communications, involved scientists at NYU testing how cells outside the brain react to certain chemical signals. Usually, memories in the brain are strengthened by repeating and spacing out learning, known as the “massed-spaced effect.” To see if non-brain cells could respond in a similar way, scientists exposed kidney and nerve cells to spaced signals, like repeated learning. Surprisingly, these cells reacted more strongly to spaced signals than to one long signal. This suggests that these cells might also have a way of “remembering” signal patterns.

The scientists modified these cells so they would glow whenever a specific “memory gene” was activated. This glowing made it easy for the researchers to see when the cells responded to memory-like signals. The results showed that, in certain situations, cells outside the brain might have memory-like traits, something once thought possible only in brain cells (neurones).

Benefits of non-brain cell memory

The researchers think that if non-brain cells can "remember," it might help create new treatments for health issues. For example, it could help control blood sugar levels or improve cancer treatments. By learning how these cells respond to repeated signals, scientists might find ways to change cell behaviour to improve health.

This research suggests that memory might be a basic ability of all cells, not just the brain cells. It opens up a new way of thinking about how memories are stored and could lead to new medical treatments in different areas of health.