Researchers induced a hibernation-like state in mice that erased more than half of their synapses, yet the animals retained their memories. The study, published in *Science*, challenges the assumption that strong synaptic connections are the sole basis for memory storage.
Neuroscientists Kazumasa Tanaka and Takeshi Sakurai led the team, which activated a neural circuit in the hypothalamus to trigger the hibernation-like state. The circuit is conserved across mammals, including non-hibernating species like mice. The findings suggest that memories may persist even as synaptic connections undergo dramatic restructuring.
The discovery raises questions about how long-term memory is preserved despite the brain’s dynamic synaptic landscape. The team plans further studies to explore the mechanisms behind this resilience.
