Memory may not work how we thought, study of mice in artificial hibernation finds - Live Science
A study of mice in artificial hibernation suggests that long-term memory relies on high-level topological patterns in brain connectivity rather than individual, strong neural links. This challenges previous assumptions about how memories are physically stored and pruned during metabolic slowdowns.
Why it matters
Understanding the fundamental mechanisms of memory could lead to breakthroughs in treating neurodegenerative diseases and cognitive disorders.
A new study induced artificial hibernation in lab mice and may have revealed something fundamental about the nature of memory.
By Nicoletta Lanese Edited by Tia Ghose , Laura Mondrag n Published 13 August 2026 In News 7 min read When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here's how it works .
During hibernation, irrelevant connection points between brain cells are pruned away, leaving only the links necessary for long-term memory retention, a study suggests. (Image credit: Luo-chu Yang) Copy link Facebook X Reddit Pinterest Flipboard Share this article 2 Join the conversation Follow us Add us as a preferred source on Google Newsletter Subscribe to our newsletter Long-term memories may not "stick" in the brain for the reasons we thought, a study of mice in artificial hibernation reveals.
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