Can the brain intentionally hide memories we no longer want to see?

Q&A: What Makes a Memory Come Alive? - with Jon Simons · 16:31 · Video: The Royal Institution · Watch at the source

In short: Cognitive neuroscientist Jon Simons explores the mechanics of human memory, addressing how our brains organize, retrieve, and potentially suppress specific experiences. This Q&A session unpacks the neurological architecture behind why some memories remain vivid while others fade.

Jon Simons, a reader in Cognitive Neuroscience at the University of Cambridge, discusses the specific roles of the frontal, medial temporal, and parietal lobes in memory processing. The session delves into the complexities of memory retrieval and the possibility of the brain 'hiding' unpleasant memories.

The discussion highlights the diverse methodologies used to study these functions, including functional neuroimaging (fMRI), electrophysiology (EEG/MEG), and brain stimulation techniques like TMS and tDCS. It provides a high-level look at how researchers bridge the gap between behavioral observations and physical brain activity.

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