Learning and Memory

Brain Facts is a website run by neuroscientists from around the world as a way of increasing public knowledge about the brain. Explore this section on Learning and Memory which includes several articles and videos on neuroplasticity and learning.

This interactive from the PBS show NOVA will help you understand the connection between Sleep and Memory. Click on the different stages of sleep to learn about your nightly brain activity, and then click on the star icons under the memory tab to learn about ways to enhance your ability to remember things.

What would life be like if you could not form any new memories? This RadioLab interview with Oliver Sacks explores the fascinating case of Clive Wearing, who due to a severe brain infection, has what amounts to the worst case of permanent amnesia in modern medicine. Mr. Wearing can only remember the love of his wife, and how to play the piano.

Learning is not only an important part of being a student, but the ability to learn and remember complex skills such as driving a car, or even playing video games is unique to humans. But what happens in our brains when we learn things and form new memories? What are ways to increase our ability to remember? What would happen if humans were unable to form new memories at all?

Key Questions:

How is learning related to networks of neurons within the brain?

What do scientists mean by the phrase "plasticity"?

How do other behaviors like practicing a skill, or sleep, effect our ability to remember?

Vocabulary Terms:

hippocampus neuroplasticity kinases synpatic plasticity declarative memory non-declarative REM sleep