Here's why some scents get imprinted in your memory

Scientists have found that a brain area is responsible for creating memories from smells as well as retaining those memories even years later.

By: Agencies | | Published: December 26, 2017 11:59 am

Ever wondered how you retain memories of your favourite dish cooked by your mother or your partner’s scent? Also Read - Natural brain booster: Drink ginger tea to improve focus and concentration

Scientists have found that a brain area is responsible for creating memories from smells as well as retaining those memories even years later. The study showed that “the piriform cortex” — a part of the olfactory brain, that distinguishes smells — is involved in the process of saving those memories. “It is known that the piriform cortex is able to temporarily store olfactory memories. We wanted to know, if that applies to long-term memories as well,” said Christina Strauch from the Ruhr-Universitaet-Bochum in Germany. Also Read - World Brain Day 2020: Step-by-step guide on how your brain functions

In the study, published in the journal Cerebral Cortex, the scientists wondered whether the piriform cortex needs to be instructed to create a long-term memory. They then stimulated a higher brain area called the orbitofrontal cortex, which is responsible for the discrimination of sensory experiences. This time the stimulation of the brain area generated the desired change in the piriform cortex. “Our study shows that the piriform cortex is indeed able to serve as an archive for long-term memories. But it needs instruction from the orbitofrontal cortex — a higher brain area — indicating that an event is to be stored as a long-term memory,” Strauch added. Read here eating pistachios, peanuts may boost mental skills, memory

Source: IANS

Image source: Shutterstock

Published : December 26, 2017 11:59 am

Read Disclaimer

Astro health predictions — December 5th week (2017)

Sugar-sweetened drinks are linked to obesity in children and adults, confirms study

About The health Site

TheHealthSite.com is India's largest health site with more than 40 lakh unique visitors per month. We focus on fitness, beauty, health, pregnancy and more.

Most popular health and wellness website in India in 2012 at the Website of the year awards.

health@corp.india.com

+91 – 22 – 6697 1234

91 – 22 – 2490 0302.

ZEE ENTERTAINMENT ENTERPRISES LTD, 18th floor, A-Wing, Marathon Futurex, N. M. Joshi Marg, Lower Parel, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400013.

We respect your privacy

Astro health predictions — December 5th week (2017)

Sugar-sweetened drinks are linked to obesity in children and adults, confirms study

Natural brain booster: Drink ginger tea to improve focus and concentration

Brain health: Tips to prevent eventual memory loss

Boost your memory by exercising regularly and eating healthy foods

Tickling the brain with electricity can improve memory

4 Ayurvedic herbs to improve memory and boost brain power

About The health Site

Useful Links