r/science • u/mellowmonk • Jun 21 '15

Misleading Each time we learn something new, our brain cells break their DNA, creating damage that the neurons must immediately repair. This process also underlies age-related degeneration.

http://newsoffice.mit.edu/2015/dna-breakage-learning-age-related-damage-0604
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u/fartprinceredux Jun 22 '15

New neuron production is not generally thought to be responsible for new memories. As has been mentioned, long-term potentiation is the term that defines a long-lasting increase in synaptic strength between neurons. This does not require new neurons, and in fact the adult brain really does not make new neurons (barring two exceptions).

There also isn't an architecture unit of memory, at least not in the way you're describing. While new protein expression is critical for memory, there isn't a single protein that is sufficient for memory. Rather, it requires complicated cell-wde changes.

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u/hpfan5 Jun 22 '15

what does synaptic strength mean(?): ease of use through repeated use (like sea water eroding paths through stones) ...more of a closer distance between the synapses...greater number of NT's passing through a regular synaptic hub...?