Slashdot Mirror

← Back to Stories (view on slashdot.org)

Neuronal Learning Observed

Posted by Hemos on from the watching-the-brain dept.

Gregg Favalora writes "According to this week's EE Times, R. Colin Johnson reports that researchers at UC San Diego have directly observed the physical changes that neurons undergo during learning. His article explains that neurons were cultured on a smooth, photoconductive silion substrate. Using optical techniques, they were able to trigger individual neurons into firing -- and were actually able to observe some of the physical changes that underly short- and long-term learning. According to the article, "[The team] tested out the theory that learning results from a physical change that strengthens the connections between selected neurons. [They showed] how short- and long-term memories result from different physical effects in the brain. Short-term memories, it turns out, result from the instant assembly of more filaments to strengthen the skin of the cell temporarily, whereas long-term memories result from the growing of a new synapse to strengthen the connection permanently." Besides the interesting cellular observations they're making, I am also intrigued by the process the article describes which uses properties of the silicon substrate to aid in firing individual neurons. "

4 of 103 comments (clear)

  1. neuronal differences by OpenSourcerer · · Score: 1, Funny

    Short-term memories, it turns out, result from the instant assembly of more filaments to strengthen the skin of the cell temporarily, whereas long-term memories result from the growing of a new synapse to strengthen the connection permanently
    Seems like the difference between WinXP and Linux programmers!

    --

    Desi Noise, Live!
  2. pot smoking. by garcia · · Score: 2, Funny

    there have been studies upon studies of how marijuana effects short-term memory (NORML always posts messages about how it has been proven that it does not in any way effect short term memory).

    So, if the researchers start smoking will:

    A) the neurons will start firing so fast that they light up the room?
    B) the neurons die -- proving that it has a negative effect on STM
    C) the neurons have no change
    D) you don't remember any of the options -- proving for sure that marijuana does have an effect on STM

    Happy New Year everyone.

  3. Reprograming. by AltGrendel · · Score: 3, Funny
    Does it mention whether they have they figured out how to reprogram neurons? If so, I could use it on my cats.

    I know, I know, why not a human. I start getting all ethical when I think of that.

    --
    The simple truth is that interstellar distances will not fit into the human imagination

    - Douglas Adams

  4. My consciousness is currently running... by Tsar · · Score: 2, Funny

    ...on a Beowulf cluster of these!

    Though not an impressively large cluster...

    Oops, Blue Visual Field of Death again.