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 23 rd ) 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 Experiment: How was it done?

The Results: What do they mean? Sleep?Activation?Memory No SleepOdor41% No SleepNo odor60% 40 min SleepOdor84% 40 min SleepNo odor60% 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.

The Results: Neurobiology

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

Questions?