Questions like these may be answered by researchers at The University of Texas-Houston Center for the Neurobiology of Learning and Memory. According to Byrne, every neuron acts as its own individual computer. Neurons grouped together in networks communicate with each other. When learning occurs, the neurons grow. By looking at specific aspects of brain function, we'll have a better comprehension of the 'healthy' brain.
Researchers plan to study three areas of memory and learning.
First, scientists will look at structural changes associated with learning and memory. According to Byrne, when people learn, specific parts of nerve cells change physically. The researchers want to understand more about the change process and the way in which that process is induced. Secondly, the team is interested in the molecular changes that occur when a memory is formed. We know that there's a change in new protein synthesis with the formation of new memories.