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Scientists May Have Found Molecular Gatekeeper Of Long-Term Memory (arstechnica.com)
hackingbear writes: While the general steps of forming a long-term memory are clear, the details, such as how exactly the molecular signals get shuttled to the command center, which generally has tight security, are unclear. A new study, led by neuroscientist Yi Zhong of Tsinghua University in Beijing, may finally have that answer. In the tiny minds of fruit flies, a protein called importin-7 acts to shuttle the memory-triggering signal into the nucleus with its top-level clearance to the restricted area, researchers report in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. With genetic tweaking, the researchers dialed up and down the amount of importin-7 in the flies and then put them through the memory training and test. They found that cranking up levels of the shuttle protein strengthened the long-term memories of the flies, while turning it off weakened their memory. "The current work confirms that [importin-7] is indeed critical at the behavioral level in mediating [long-term memory] consolidation," the authors concluded.
but where did they put it?
"We also acknowledge the contributions of Dr. Whats His Face and his assistant. The one with the big boobs. Jane something or other."
Please God, let it be weed.
You are welcome on my lawn.
I question the article ars article. Quoting: "a protein called importin-7 acts to shuttle the memory-triggering signal into the nucleus with its top-level clearance to the restricted area". "Top-level clearance" is just ridiculous in describing this biological process. Was the ars Technica article adapted to a computer knowing, but otherwise ignorant reader base?
"such as how exactly the molecular signals get shuttled to the command center, which generally has tight security, are unclear."
This write-up simply *has* to have its own honorary place in the top-so-many of bad write-ups.
Religion is what happens when nature strikes and groupthink goes wrong.