UTSA researchers to publish article on memory retention

(Dec. 13, 2001)--With final examinations underway, the recent findings by two researchers studying memory retention could not come at a more relevant time for students.

Brian Derrick, assistant professor of neurobiology, and graduate student Desiree Villareal have evidence to support an early 20th century discovery regarding memory retention. Their findings will be featured in the January edition of Nature Neuroscience magazine.

The pair concluded with the original findings that new learning erases old learning, and old memories disappear through a passive "disuse" of memory. The theories have been debated recently among many scholars.

In their study, animals were given the drug CPP, following stimulation of a synapse, which is the point at which nervous impulses pass from one neuron to another. The increase in synaptic response normally appears after stimulation and then decays in a week, but the drug prevented synaptic decay and the loss of learning.

"If you want to learn something, spaced acquisition is best, along with plenty of sleep," said Derrick. "Gradual acquisition is better... spaced out learning and repetition over time."

In relation to studying for finals, he recommends that students study one subject at a time, rather then skipping around and trying to cover a number of subjects in a brief period of time.

Derrick's research is funded by a $1.2 million National Institutes of Health grant, specifically from the National Institute on Drug Abuse and the National Institute on Neurological Disorders and Strokes.

----------------------------------------------------------

TODAY'S HEADLINES:

Commencement Memories: Sisters plan to teach in Mexico
2001 Winter Commencement set for Dec. 15
Preparation nearly complete for Saturday's commencement
Commencement Memories: Future parole officer ready for life beyond
UTSA researchers to publish article on memory retention

UTSA Today Front Page

----------------------------------------------------------