Are neuronal activity-associated magnetic fields the physical base for memory?

Full Abstract

Despite intensive investigation into the mechanisms underlying the memory process, the physical bases for this superior cognitive function remain elusive. Recall of past events and actions depends on the generation of complex memory carriers that would have to integrate many items of information. Some human memory processes, like contextual recall, work at such high speed and integrate such a large number of cortical neurons and neuronal networks that molecular mechanisms of information storage and synaptic transmission seem insufficient. This limitation argues against molecular information storage mechanisms as being truly effective carriers for the memory process. In this paper, I propose that any type of information can be stored in the form of 'neuronal activity-associated magnetic fields' that would record information in much the same way as the magnetic tape of a tape recorder. Integration and/or combination of the neuronal activity-associated magnetic fields throughout the complex three-dimensional structure of the human cortex could provide a storage medium for high-speed processing and discrimination that would support the complexity of the human memory process.

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Author information

Author/s: Banaclocha, M A M (MA);

Affiliation: Department of Pathology, Hospital General de Castellón, Castellón, Spain. marbanacl(-atsign-)latinmail.com

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article

Journal: Medical hypotheses (Med Hypotheses), published in Scotland. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2002-Nov; vol 59 (issue 5) : pp 555-9

Dates: Created 2002/10/11; Completed 2003/06/30; Revised 2004/11/17;

PMID: 12376078, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 11/6/2008)

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

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MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MESH Headings shown below.

Magnetics
Memory - physiology
Mental Recall - physiology
Models, Neurological
Nerve Net
Neurons - physiology

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