Memory, often considered a product of the brain, has traditionally been understood as the key to defining who we are, our identity, and our ability to navigate the world around us. From recognizing loved ones to recalling the locations of important items, memory is deeply embedded in our daily experiences. However, a series of groundbreaking studies is beginning to challenge the conventional belief that memory is the sole domain of the brain. Researchers are now discovering that cells throughout the body, beyond the brain, may also have the ability to store memories. What does this mean for our health and understanding of human biology?
In a study published in Nature Communications in November 2024, researchers from New York University (NYU) explored how cells from non-brain tissues, such as nerve and kidney cells, can store memories. Lead author Dr. Nikolay Kukushkin, a clinical associate professor of life sciences at NYU, noted that his team has long been fascinated by the concept of memory at its most basic level. Their research aimed to explore the fundamental processes underlying memory formation across various cell types, not just in the brain. The surprising results revealed that cells from tissues such as the kidneys and nerves respond to stimuli in a way similar to brain cells, activating genes associated with memory storage.
Dr. Kukushkin explained that the team had hoped to uncover whether memory was more than a metaphorical concept in the context of these non-brain cells. Their findings suggested that these cells not only have a form of memory but that this memory operates in much the same way as in brain cells. They found that the “spacing effect,” a phenomenon whereby spaced-out learning produces stronger memories, applies to kidney and nerve cells as well. This discovery opens new possibilities for how memory is formed and maintained across the body.
Memory formation is crucial for a range of bodily functions, from learning and adapting to environmental stimuli to maintaining emotional and physical health. By demonstrating that cells outside the brain can form memories, this study has profound implications for our understanding of health. For example, if cells in the kidneys or nerves retain certain memories, this could influence how our bodies respond to chronic conditions or diseases. It may also help explain why certain physical ailments, such as chronic pain or inflammation, can persist despite treatment the body “remembers” past experiences and adapts accordingly.
The potential for “whole-body memory” could also offer new insights into treatments for conditions like neurodegenerative diseases. If cells in the body store memories, then damage to these cells might contribute to the memory loss and cognitive decline associated with diseases such as Alzheimer’s. On the other hand, interventions that target non-brain cells could provide new ways to treat or even prevent such conditions.
In addition to the findings from NYU, another study from ETH Zurich in Switzerland explored the idea that fat cells might store memories related to obesity. In their research on mice, scientists discovered that epigenetic changes in fat cells’ nuclei could make it more difficult for individuals with obesity to maintain weight loss. This suggests that memories stored in fat cells might contribute to the yo-yo dieting effect, where weight loss is often followed by rapid weight gain. This research highlights how body-wide memory could play a role in metabolic health, potentially offering new avenues for obesity treatment.
The concept of non-brain cells storing memories challenges our traditional understanding of memory and opens up new frontiers in both research and healthcare. As scientists continue to explore these findings, we may gain a deeper understanding of how memories are formed and how they affect overall health. With further research, the discovery of “whole-body memory” could revolutionize our approach to disease prevention, chronic illness management, and even aging. The memory-keeping capabilities of cells outside the brain may ultimately lead to breakthroughs that improve both our understanding and our treatment of a wide range of health conditions.
