Thanks to it, we can relive our experiences, use it to implement new solutions or maintain an identity. To do this, memory encodes information so that the brain can “read” it and retrieve it when needed. But where do you store it?

The hippocampus and memory

The hippocampus is perhaps the brain structure that has the most weight in our memory. This region, located in the limbic system, is crucial for the formation, storage, and retrieval of memories. More specifically, it is related to different aspects of memory, fulfilling more than one function, including:

• Associate positive or negative emotions to memories.
• Facilitate the storage of recent information in long-term memory.
• Provide a spatial and temporal context to memories.

The hippocampus is in charge of saving memories : that is, of storing sensitive experiences that we have obtained from different channels or senses -it not only stores information, but it does so in an integrated way-. If we stop to analyze what we do on a daily basis, we will realize that the process is really fascinating.

All the details have a fundamental role, and that is that they act in the same way as the drawer handles: we can hold on to them to recover the memory. Thus, when we listen to a song we are able to transport ourselves to a specific moment or when we smell a perfume, remember the person around us who used to wear it.

Where the details of memories are stored

As stated above, the role of the hippocampus is unquestionable. However, questions remain about how and where the details of memories are stored. This part of the process is essential, because if the features or elements of a memory were not stored independently, there would probably be only one stimulus that could evoke that memory.

Put another way, itemized storage allows memories to be stored in a more organized or classified way. As if we put a series of hashtags that allow us to access them in a simpler or more varied way. For example, to keep the memory of that birthday in the field, we would use the tags #nature #birthday #family #sun #picnic.

In this sense, experts have raised two possibilities on how this storage is carried out and where. One option is that the storage of the elements is integrated in the hippocampus, so that the activation of neurons responsible for encoding specific stimuli can provoke a global memory response. Or, that the details are stored in other separate areas involved, which in turn have access to the joint representation of the hippocampus.

New finds

These two questions were recently raised by a research team at Rockefeller University. He decided to investigate the hippocampal and cerebral cortex circuits in real time during the formation, storage and retrieval of complex memories. Their findings, published in the prestigious journal Nature, have been truly revealing.

To do this, they carried out a study with mice in which they had to use novel techniques that made it possible to record neuronal activity in multiple areas at the same time that the animals navigated endless corridors.

In these, the mice encountered different combinations of smells and sounds, which were associated with rewarding or negative experiences. In this way, thanks to detecting a specific smell or sound, the mice were able to remember the entire experience and successfully solve the task.

Their results have revealed that the hippocampus, specifically the entorrino-hippocampal pathway, was involved in the formation and storage of experiences. However, they found that individual sensory features were being processed and recorded by the prefrontal cortex.

In turn, the results showed that when the mice encountered a specific feature, the prefrontal neurons communicated with the hippocampus to evoke the global memory.

Implications and conclusions

These findings have theoretical and practical implications. Now we can know that the storage of complex memories occurs as a whole and classified by parts. This separation means that exposure to an individual stimulus is enough to activate the prefrontal cortex and, consequently, evoke a memory.

In terms of developing treatments, this discovery could be relevant to Alzheimer’s disease, where retrieval of memories is most affected. Thus, the existence of several storage routes can contribute to the development of different recovery strategies. Therefore, the use of prefrontal pathways for Alzheimer patients could be more promising therapeutically.

In conclusion, we still have a lot to learn about the brain and its functioning. In this case, we now know that the hippocampus is not the only place where memories are stored. Also the prefrontal cortex, involved in personality or decision making, among others, is responsible for storing the most specific aspects of the experiences we live.

For these reasons, today we are going to give you some small keys so that you take them into account and avoid certain setbacks that may interfere with your trip. In this way you can enjoy it to the fullest with the certainty that nothing worrying is going to happen to you.

Health tips for travel lovers

Surely, as a good traveler, you have a diary in which to capture all your adventures that you always carry with you.

1. Vaccinations before traveling

It is our responsibility as travelers to inform ourselves about what type of vaccinations we should get before visiting certain countries. There are generally recommended vaccines regardless of the trip we make, some are:

• Typhoid fever.
• Hepatitis A.
• Triple viral.
• Tetanus.

However, later there are other vaccines (such as yellow fever, hepatitis B or polio ) in which the characteristics of the trip must be taken into account. Going to the doctor and asking questions can help us avoid contracting a disease that can bring us many complications.

2. Cope with jet lag

Jet lag or jet lag refers to that physical exhaustion we feel when we travel to another place where there are big changes and imbalances in time zones. Some of the health tips for travel lovers in relation to this are:

• Pills indicated for jet lag: Many are known by the name of “melatonin”, and help the body to rest and regulate itself to adapt to the time of the new place where we are. It is important that we consult with our doctor about taking this type of drug.
• Mask: Essential for when we arrive at a place where our body asks us to rest, but it is not yet night there. The mask added to the melatonin pills are a very effective duo in these cases.

3. Special care depending on the destination

Depending on where we are going to travel, we need to take some special care to avoid contracting some pretty nasty diseases. Next, we are going to mention some countries and aspects that we should take into account:

• Japan: Do not eat sushi in street stalls, because if it is in poor condition it may contain Anisakis and other parasites that will make us writhe in pain and have to go to the doctor immediately.
• Costa Rica: A mosquito repellent, an itching reliever and antihistamines will be essential to protect us from diseases such as dengue or Zika, which are transmitted by these insects.
• Vietnam: Whenever possible, raw products should be avoided. Its poor condition could cause diarrhea or other diseases. Also, in many communities drinking water has not yet arrived, so we have to be especially careful where we get it.

4. Protection and adequate clothing

The last of the health tips for travel lovers is to investigate the type of climate that will be in the place of destination. For example, if we go to Norway, wearing warm clothes will be essential to avoid colds.

In the event that we have chosen a hot country, we must not forget about sun protection. Of course, let’s make sure that the cream is not expired and that it offers us high protection. The recommendation is an FPS 50+.

In addition to sun cream, we should also take an aftersun to hydrate the skin after being exposed to the sun, even with protection. This will help us keep her healthy.

These are some of the best health tips for travel lovers that we hope will be of great help to you in the next adventure you embark on. We recommend that you take them into account, since not getting an essential vaccine or trying food in poor condition will mean that the trip is not as pleasant as we expected.

Have you ever followed any of these health tips for travelers? Do you know others that work for you? If so, we encourage you to share them with us so that, together, we can get as complete a list as possible.