Memory: Looking back and looking forward

Abstract

This review brings together past and present achievements in memory research, ranging from molecular to psychological discoveries. Despite some false starts, major advances include our growing understanding of learning-related neural plasticity and the characterisation of different classes of memory. One striking example is the ability to reactivate targeted neuronal ensembles so that an animal will seemingly re-experience a particular memory, with the further potential to modify such memories. Meanwhile, human functional imaging studies can distinguish individual episodic memories based on voxel activation patterns. While the hippocampus continues to provide a rich source of information, future progress requires broadening our research to involve other sites. Related challenges include the need to understand better the role of glial–neuron interactions and to look beyond the synapse as the sole site of experience-dependent plasticity. Unmet goals include translating our neuroscientific knowledge in order to optimise learning and memory, especially among disadvantaged populations.