Author: Lisa Johnson

new paper on memory reinstatement and transformation

press release

Our memories of events are based on content-specific memory traces. By combining direct brain recordings in neurosurgical patients with deep neural network modeling, we discovered that visual memory traces are reinstated in temporal cortex and transformed in parietal cortex. Findings suggest that reinstatement and transformation together support the creation of generalized and differentiated representations of memory content, thus supporting successful recognition. Paper published in Science Advances.

New collection on technology and brain health – for kids!

Keeping our brains healthy is vital to maintaining independence as we age and can improve our performance on school, sports, and all the activities we enjoy. The need to improve brain health has led to a new wave of technologies aimed at problems in neuroscience. A few examples of this can be seen in how scientists use virtual reality in research, apply electricity to the brain to improve brain health, and use video games to improve our memory. Understanding how the brain communicates and how disease and injury disrupt this communication is important for guiding future medical and research interventions.

In this special topic, we will learn about how new technologies are being applied to classical neuroscience problems such as improving our memory and attention as we age, or learning new skills like languages and music. Here, readers will learn how science can be moved out of the laboratory with the use of technologies you likely use on a daily basis. As science and technology continue to advance and work together, new medical breakthroughs will improve our brain health and lead to longer, healthier lives.

Collection published by Frontiers for Young Minds.

Play games for brain science!

We are recruiting adults and children to participate in research on the brain dynamics underlying memory and cognitive control across the human lifespan. We are recruiting volunteers for multiple studies.

Participants will be compensated at $30/hour.

The research will take place in downtown Chicago.

Follow this link for more information, and to sign up: https://redcap.nubic.northwestern.edu/redcap/surveys/?s=93P9HHRYXXDMLYTD

Principal Investigator: Elizabeth Johnson, PhD
Study Title: Behavioral and neural mechanisms of memory across the lifespan
IRB # STU00216728