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
COW Jobs: Visual Storyteller - Emeryville, CA
Brie Clayton October 9, 2026
0 Comments
Visual Storyteller
October 7, 2026 COW Jobs: Cinematographer...
09/10/2026
Master 3-Point Lighting in After Effects With an Orbiting Light Rig
Graham Quince October 9, 2026
0 Comments
Ever wondered why your 3D renders in Afte...
09/10/2026
nxtedition will exhibit for the first time at Asias Broadcasting & Infotainment Show (A.B.I.S) in Mumbai, bringing its integrated production platform and latest...
09/10/2026
Today's AI Isn't the Answer
Andy Marken October 8, 2026
0 Comments
Let's say you're telling the truth, and this is all a dream. - Do...
09/10/2026
Ikegami to Introduce New UHK-X700VN Camera at NAB New York, Offering Advanced Cr...
09/10/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
09/10/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
09/10/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
09/10/2026
Witness world firsts, new arrivals and the work that goes on behind the scenes a...
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...
08/10/2026
Modern venues have come a long way since the tinny, echoing audio of the mid 20t...
08/10/2026
ESPN's first Super Bowl production will stream in English and Spanish on Disney+, while the ESPN App carries the full slate of game, ManningCast, studio, an...
08/10/2026
From high-school videoboards to War Eagle Productions, the Opelika native is learning how to lead shows and capture big moments
The future of live sports produ...
08/10/2026
The Television Academy and Prime Video have announced a six-year agreement making Prime Video the exclusive global home of the Emmy Awards beginning with the 20...
08/10/2026
Techex will exhibit at NAB Show New York 2026 (Booth 623, Javits Center, October...
08/10/2026
X Games has announced the appointment of Steve Rogers as Chief Operating Officer. Rogers previously served as COO of World Supercross and spent nearly a decade ...
08/10/2026
Fonn Group has appointed Trevor Spielmann as Sales Director for Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. Spielmann joins from EVS, where he held sales and business de...
08/10/2026
The flagship program will originate from major PG events with a four-camera production, live distribution across PGTV, social platforms
Perfect Game is bringin...
08/10/2026
Innovation rarely happens in a vacuum. More often, it happens at the point of collision: when worlds that have run on separate tracks begin to converge. That is...
08/10/2026
For decades, the production and broadcast services business has run on a familia...
08/10/2026
Uplynk, Zixi, BroadView Software, and Grass Valley have published The IP Converg...
08/10/2026
The NFL has announced the return of the Big Data Bowl, the league's analytics competition, now in its ninth year and again powered by AWS. Registration is o...
08/10/2026
Eutelsat has renewed its partnership with T l diffusion d'Alg rie (TDA), Algeria's national broadcasting network operator, for continued distribution of...
08/10/2026
Disney will livestream Super Bowl LXI on February 14, 2027, alongside the game's broadcast on ESPN and ABC. All Disney subscribers in the United States wi...
08/10/2026
RHStv and Red House Streaming have announced an expansion of their partnership w...
08/10/2026
Gray Media has announced a distribution agreement with TEGNA and DAZN to simulca...
08/10/2026
SVG readers can save 10% on registration and receive a complimentary Solutions H...
08/10/2026
PROTON Camera Innovations GmbH has been named a recipient of a 2026 Technology a...
08/10/2026
Industry leaders discuss real-world cloud workflows for live game production, pl...
08/10/2026
The next-gen audio technology joins Dolby Vision as part of Apple TV's immersive F1 experience...
08/10/2026
David France, Jesse Short Bull, Mato Wayuhi, N. Bird Runningwater, Jodi Archambau, Jhane Myers, Paul McGuire, Amber Morning Star Byars, Holly Macarro, Nick Tils...
08/10/2026
Dynamic panning plug-ins get an upgrade
Sound Particles have just announced major updates for two of their popular dynamic panning plug-ins. Energy Panner 2...
08/10/2026
New expandable instrument boasts full DMNO engine
UDO Audio have just announced the upcoming release of a new, expandable synth that packs the power of the ...
08/10/2026
Two new subwoofers added to monitoring line-up
ADAM Audio's monitoring range has just been expanded with two new DSP-equipped subwoofers, the Sub8 PRO a...
08/10/2026
eds3_5_jq(document).ready(function($) { $(#eds_sliderM519).chameleonSlider_2_1({ content_source:......
08/10/2026
Calrec gives broadcasters freedom of choice at NAB Show New York We're looking forward to meeting up with you all at NAB New York on 21st-22nd October.
Cal...
08/10/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
08/10/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
08/10/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
08/10/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
08/10/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
08/10/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
08/10/2026
Globecast, a leading provider of broadcast, media and entertainment managed services, will showcase its next generation of media orchestration services at NAB S...
08/10/2026
Clear-Com played a critical role in the production communications infrastructure for Rock in Rio 2026, one of the world's largest and most recognized music...
08/10/2026
Sohonet Launches ClearView Rush: A Leap Forward in Studio Review, Built for Crea...
08/10/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
08/10/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
08/10/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
How scientists uncovered memory's hidden architecture New structural hallmarks of memory storage discovered by Scripps Research could lead to treatments for memory loss. 
