The Epigenetics of Honeybee Memory Offers a Glimpse Into Our Own Minds

January 10, 2017 Bailey Kirkpatrick

The fascinating memory of a honeybee could give us hints about our own long-term memory formation, scientists suggest. According to a new study, epigenetic marks are added to the DNA of honeybees in a response to an enzyme known as DNA methyltransferase (Dmnt) and removed in response to a Dnmt inhibitor drug. This epigenetic mechanism may play a role in memory specificity and influence the removal and re-acquisition of memory. When human memory breaks down or fails, disorders such as [more…]

RNA Methylation Gives Epigenetic Clues to Strengthening Memory

September 20, 2016 Bailey Kirkpatrick

Memory is a complex process, one that we have only just begun to understand. Research hints that it might be possible for histone modification to degrade memory if we don’t get enough sleep or that certain epigenetic anti-cancer drugs known as HDAC inhibitors could sharpen memory. RNA methylation is an epigenetic mechanism that has been recently gained a lot of attention in the field of epigenetics. Now, scientists have discovered that the epigenetic mark found on RNA, called m6A, or [more…]

Could Poor Sleep and Histone Modification Degrade Your Memory?

August 30, 2016 Bailey Kirkpatrick

Impaired sleep is a common issue that plagues many people. Not getting enough rest can lead to moodiness, cognitive decline, increased anxiety, and difficulty concentrating or remembering things. It’s estimated that 50-70 million adults in the US have sleep or wakefulness disorder, according to the CDC. But, for something so crucial to our lives, sleep is still shrouded in mystery. Interestingly, previous research has uncovered a link between sleep disorders and memory. Other studies have even shown that short-term sleep [more…]

“I Am No Longer Haunted By That Awful Memory” – New Epigenetic Drug Treatment May Erase Painful Memories

January 27, 2014 Milka Rodriguez

 Is it possible for a drug to dampen a traumatic memory? It may be, as researchers are discovering that a fundamental epigenetic mechanism is responsible for long-term fear memory. Neuroplasticity, also called brain plasticity, refers to the changes in neural connections such as synapses and neural pathways as a result of changes in behavior, environmental exposure and neural processes (1,2).  While it was once believed that the brain is a physiologically static organ and its networks were fixed, research over [more…]

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