It has long been believed that memories live only in the brain. But new research suggests that other parts of the body may also store and process memories, a finding that could reshape how we understand learning, emotions, and health.
According to a study published in Nature Communications, scientists from New York University (NYU) found that cells from outside the brain, such as those from the nervous system and kidneys, can also perform memory-like functions. The research challenges long-held ideas about how memories are formed and stored.
The study tested how non-brain cells react to different patterns of chemical signals, like how brain cells receive neurotransmitters when we learn new things. Remarkably, these cells activated the same “memory gene” that brain cells use to store information, especially when the signals were spaced out over time rather than given all at once. This finding mirrors how humans learn better through spaced repetition rather than cramming.
Researchers say this shows that the ability to learn from spaced repetition might be a basic feature of all cells, not just those in the brain.
The findings could lead to new ways to treat memory disorders and improve learning. Scientists believe it may also explain how experiences, trauma, or stress leave lasting effects on the body, showing that memories and emotions may be stored in more than just the brain.
The discovery opens new doors for understanding how memory works and could inspire future treatments that focus on both the mind and the body, helping us rethink how our organs and cells contribute to who we are.
