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How Memory Works as a Function of Sleep and Olfactory Activation. Labile or stable: opposing consequences for memory when reactivated during waking and sleep. Dalmo Mendonca. Introduction.
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How Memory Works as a Function of Sleep and Olfactory Activation Labile or stable: opposing consequences for memory when reactivated during waking and sleep. Dalmo Mendonca
Introduction This is a summary of the article “Labile or Stable” recently published in Nature Neurobiology (January 23rd) The following slides will provide additional and supportive figures, tables, and diagrams to supplement this oral presentation.
Overview • Purpose • Experiment and Methodology • Results and Analysis • Implications for future research
Purpose: Why do we care? • Little is known about the mechanisms of memory right now • Enhancing memory can have many applications: • Treat diseases and disorders • Develop memory-building technology • Understand neurobiology • Predict human behavior
The Results: What do they mean? • Odor activation after a learning experience may decrease memory because the brain becomes “confused.” • The confusion is eliminated if the odor activation is done during a 40-minute period of sleep, so memory is enhanced.
Conclusion: What the future holds • Simple memory can be improved with 40 minutes of sleep! • This small experiment allows for future research on specific areas • REM sleep • Use of different activation odors • More complex memory • Cross-cultural studies