Workings of working memory detailed

Cedars-Sinai researchers identified neurons in the brain that coordinate focus and short-term memory, crucial for tasks like remembering phone numbers. Their study, published in Nature, reveals how these neurons, influenced by brain waves, aid in retaining information in working memory.

Working memory, essential for holding information temporarily, relies on sustained attention. Dr. Ueli Rutishauser, the study's senior author, notes its susceptibility to diseases like Alzheimer's and ADHD, highlighting the need for understanding its control mechanisms.

The research involved monitoring brain activity of 36 epilepsy patients during tasks requiring working memory. It identified "category" neurons responding to specific stimuli and "phase-amplitude coupling" (PAC) neurons enhancing memory retention. This study, part of a multi-institutional effort funded by the NIH's BRAIN Initiative, offers insights into how the brain regulates working memory, with potential implications for memory-related neurological conditions.