
How scientists uncovered memory's hidden architecture New structural hallmarks of memory storage discovered by Scripps Research could lead to treatments for memory loss.
March 21, 2025
LA JOLLA, CA Using cutting-edge genetic tools, 3D electron microscopy, and artificial intelligence, Scripps Research scientists and colleagues have uncovered key structural hallmarks of long-term memory, called an engram. Their study, published in Science on March 20, 2025, paves the way for future advances in treating memory loss and other cognitive impairments associated with aging and neurodegenerative diseases.
Our work leverages recent technological developments across multiple fields, says Marco Uytiepo, a Scripps Research graduate student and the study's lead author. We used high-resolution 3D imaging to reveal the intricate architecture of brain circuits that store memory traces with unprecedented detail. Since analyzing these images with conventional computer programs could take years, we relied heavily on AI algorithms to accelerate data processing by several orders of magnitude.
Uytiepo and his colleagues focused on the hippocampus, a brain region crucial for learning and memory in both animals and humans. They used mouse models to label and identify neurons activated during a specific learning task and, at nanometer-scale resolution, then reconstructed their synaptic connections (the junctions where neurons communicate).
We hoped to uncover something interesting since no similar approaches had been implemented before, says Anton Maximov, professor of neuroscience and the study's senior author. What we did not expect was that our findings would challenge two long-standing dogmas.
At neuronal synapses, chemical signals are typically transmitted from a single nerve terminal a swollen region of an axon filled with vesicles that secrete these signals to a single postsynaptic site on the dendrite of a receiving cell. Many previous studies (using lower-resolution optical imaging methods) have suggested that learning requires a bulk increase in synapse number. However, Maximov's team found that this is not always the case the total number and arrangement of isolated synapses remained unchanged after memory formation. Instead, neurons allocated to an engram expanded their connectivity through multi-synaptic boutons (MSBs) specialized axonal terminals that simultaneously signal to up to six different dendrites rather than just one. These MSBs were not only more abundant along the axons of activated neurons but also structurally more complex.
Secondly, Maximov's team discovered that engram neurons in adjacent hippocampal regions do not preferentially connect with each other, counter to what is widely believed in the field. Instead, the expansion of their network through MSBs resulted in the recruitment of other neurons that were not engaged during learning. Moreover, the researchers found that engram neurons exhibited fine-scale alterations in the architecture of their individual synapses, including changes in intracellular organelles such as mitochondria and smooth endoplasmic reticulum. Additionally, these neurons displayed enhanced interactions with astrocytes glial cells that regulate synaptic function and provide metabolic support.
Researchers now aim to determine whether similar mechanisms operate in other brain circuits and whether their dysfunction contributes to memory loss. Furthermore, MSBs have emerged as promising therapeutic targets.
We are excited about the possibility of targeting MSBs with drugs to develop new and effective treatments for memory disorders, says Maximov. However, achieving this goal will require designing new tools to dissect the molecular composition of MSBs, which remains entirely unexplored. We are already making progress in this direction, but much work still lies ahead.
As part of this effort, the researchers are also continuing to refine their AI pipelines to improve the efficiency and accuracy of analyzing large-scale imaging data.
This study was conducted in collaboration with the National Center for Microscopy and Imaging Research (NCMIR) at UC San Diego, directed by Distinguished Professor of Neurosciences Mark H. Ellisman. As an NIH BRAIN Initiative National Resource for Technology Integration and Dissemination, NCMIR provides cutting-edge imaging tools that advance neuroscience research.
We feel incredibly fortunate to have joined forces with Mark and his team, says Maximov. Their deep knowledge, technical expertise, and access to state-of-the-art microscopes were instrumental to our success.
This work was supported by funding from the National Institute of Mental Health, the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, and The Brain Research Through Advancing Innovative Neurotechnologies Initiative, or The BRAIN Initiative .
In addition to Uytiepo, Ellisman and Maximov, authors of the study, Synaptic architecture of a memory engram in the mouse hippocampus, include Yongchuan Zhu, Katherine Chou, Filip Souza Polli, Elise Zhao, Danielle Luu, Lyanne Chang, Dong Yang, Tsz Ching Ma, Mingi Kim, Yuting Zhang, Grant Walton, Tom Quach, Luca Patapoutian, Arya Shahbazi, Yuxuan Zhang, Elizabeth Beutter, Weiheng Zhang, Brian Dong, Aureliano Khoury, Alton Gu, Elle McCue and Lisa Stowers of Scripps; and Eric Bushong, Keun-Young Kim and Matthias Haberl of UCSD.
Neuroscience Maximov, Anton
Most recent headlines
05/01/2027
Worlds first 802.15.4ab-UWB chip verified by Calterah and Rohde & Schwarz to be ...
09/10/2026
September 10 2026, 06:00 (PDT) Dolby Expands Dolby OptiView Platform with New Capabilities at IBC 2026
New Sports Intelligence helps providers better unders...
07/10/2026
Dalet, a leading technology and service provider for media-rich organizations, today announced the latest Long-Term Supported (LTS) release of Dalet Flex. Build...
22/09/2026
From Malaysia to Mexico and from DR Congo to Ukraine, this year's 12 finalists for the 2026 Thomson Foundation Young Journalist of the Year award tell extra...
22/09/2026
The annual preseason content-gathering event brought 36 NHL players to Las Vegas, where ESPN used 2.5 kilowatts of laser power and a motion-control camera syste...
22/09/2026
Neumann has introduced the KK 104 A (cardioid) and KK 105 A (supercardioid) wireless capsule heads, succeeding the KK 204 and KK 205. The new capsules are compa...
22/09/2026
The NFL and TMRW Sports have announced a new annual Pro Flag Showcase to be held during Super Bowl LXI week in Los Angeles. The event will feature top flag foot...
22/09/2026
Washington State University has unveiled a new end zone video display and audio ...
22/09/2026
Disney's SVP of Live Operations and Engineering details the technology behin...
22/09/2026
Cosm has announced two senior promotions. Mazen Alawar has been promoted to SVP,...
22/09/2026
Mississippi State University's University Television Center has purchased four KOKUSAI DENKI SK-UHD7000-S2 cameras since 2024, with plans to add two more, a...
22/09/2026
Net Insight has announced that Christine Kjellvard will assume the role of interim Chief Financial Officer on November 1, 2026. Kjellvard has previously held in...
22/09/2026
Net Insight has announced Zyntai TimeNode Access, a compact PTP Grandmaster designed for distributed edge sites. The product carries secure, precise time across...
22/09/2026
Sam Hazeldine, Austin Amelio, Padraic McKinley, Julia Jones, and Ethan Hawke attend the premiere of The Weight at The Ray Theatre on January 26, 2026, in Park...
22/09/2026
Second high-gain tone plug-in released
Following on from their debut release, Chainsaw Suite, Avalanche Tones have announced the launch of their second plug...
22/09/2026
Uncompressed audio with below 6ms of latency
Lewitt's have just introduced their first pair of headphones which, despite being aimed primarily at studio...
22/09/2026
Two new capsule heads for Sennheiser wireless systems
Neumann have announced the upcoming launch of the KK 104 A and KK 105 A, a pair of new premium condens...
22/09/2026
Apogee Plugins Are Moving to Plugin Alliance We're excited to share an important update about the future of Apogee plugins.
Apogee plugins are moving to Pl...
22/09/2026
Parkland, Florida, US, September 22, 2026: SipRadius, widely recognized for making content processing and connectivity secure and seamless, has been honored wit...
22/09/2026
VanityFilter 3.1.5 adds project files and adjustable protection around lips, bro...
22/09/2026
Chile's TV Modernizes Broadcast Operations with Blackmagic Design
Brie Clayton September 22, 2026
0 Comments
URSA Broadcast G2 brings versatility...
22/09/2026
OWC Shares Sneak Peek at Amazon Prime Big Deal Days Pricing
Brie Clayton September 22, 2026
0 Comments
Image courtesy of Deposit Photos
Business and ...
22/09/2026
Berklee's First Homecoming Block Party Brings Alumni Home for Global Music F...
22/09/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
22/09/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
22/09/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
22/09/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
22/09/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
22/09/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
22/09/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
22/09/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
22/09/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
22/09/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
22/09/2026
From Academy Award-winning Passion Pictures and BAFTA-winning director Marian Mo...
22/09/2026
Tuesday 22 September 2026
Portrait Artist of the Year returns to Sky Arts with ...
22/09/2026
Whether it be from the sun or from our phones and other devices, we are all exposed to electromagnetic radiation in some shape or form. With the dramatic growth...
22/09/2026
Comscore's latest AI Intelligence Report Shows Competition Intensifying as C...
22/09/2026
The Factory-X Project Sets Standards for Data Sovereignty in Industry
Arvato Systems Brings Digital Sovereignty to Industrial Practice
Factory-X Successfully...
22/09/2026
LONDON Apple today announced the opening of Apple Music Hall, a brand-new state-...
22/09/2026
RT , Creative Ireland and Shared Island Initiative ask young artists
to respon...
22/09/2026
To build and deploy sophisticated robotics applications that can perceive, reason and act in dynamic environments, developers need new physical AI models and to...
21/09/2026
Manifold Technologies, developer of software-defined, FPGA-accelerated infrastructure for live production, has named Ryhaan Williams as Chief Commercial Officer...
21/09/2026
Studio Network Solutions (SNS) has won Best Journal Article at the 2026 IAMT Impact Awards for What Video Editors Need When Everything Is Changing Around Them,...
21/09/2026
Major League Wrestling (MLW) has announced a streaming distribution agreement with Tubi for its weekly series MLW FUSION. Beginning September 17, new episodes w...
21/09/2026
Disney Entertainment has announced that Adam Smith has been named Chairman, Direct-to-Consumer, with responsibility for Disney and Hulu including product, engi...
21/09/2026
United Airlines and DISH have announced an agreement to bring live professional ...
21/09/2026
SES and JioStar have announced a multi-year agreement under which SES will provide satellite distribution services for JioStar's television channel portfoli...
21/09/2026
The Detroit Red Wings have announced details for their inaugural season on Detro...
21/09/2026
Manifold Technologies has appointed Ryhaan Williams as Chief Commercial Officer for North America, effective October 1, 2026. Based in Jacksonville, Florida, Wi...
21/09/2026
Angels Broadcast Television (ABTV), the local television home of the Los Angeles...