How can we have memories from when we were a kid, yet forget what we ate for breakfast last week? Our Head of Science, Steve Quake, and a team of researchers just pinpointed a group of cells and genetic changes that are key to forming long-term memories. They used spatial and single-cell transcriptomics, techniques that measure genetic changes in individual brain cells, while memories were forming. While neurons are usually the star of the show when it comes to memories, they’re not the only ones! The star-shaped cells called astrocytes had the same type of genetic changes that are crucial to forming long-term memories. Accurately mapping out memories has been a long-time goal of neuroscience. It not only helps us understand how the brain works but how we may be able to better treat memory-related diseases like dementia. What’s your earliest memory? #science #neuroscience #memory #cognition #NewResearch