Hippocampus crucial for shaping flexible memories and behavior

Researchers have gained new insights into how the hippocampus, a key part of the brain, supports memory and decision-making. The hippocampus helps us form memories, recognize spaces, and even shape our future behavior. Traditionally, studies have focused on how the hippocampus aids in remembering events and spatial navigation. However, recent research suggests it also plays a role in "compositional memory." This involves breaking down memories into smaller parts and recombining them to create new ideas or predict future outcomes. Scientists from the University of Oxford and University College London conducted a study using computer models and recordings from the brain. They found that the hippocampus is crucial for two processes: memory composition and hippocampal replay. These processes help individuals use past experiences to inform their actions in new situations. The researchers discovered that the way memories are stored in the hippocampus can be viewed as “compositional.” This means the brain can rearrange pieces of memories, known as primitives, to generate new scenarios. This flexibility allows people to act effectively in unfamiliar environments without needing to learn everything from scratch. Additionally, the study highlighted that hippocampal replay—where neurons revisit past experiences—actively contributes to the formation of these flexible memories. It was found that replay helps strengthen memory connections when new experiences are encountered. Overall, this research provides a fresh understanding of the hippocampus and its functions. It opens up new avenues for investigating how we use past experiences to navigate future challenges.