Brain Scans Reveal Learning Happens Faster Than Previously Believed

Researchers funded by the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) have uncovered new insights into how and where learning happens in the brain — findings that could reshape understanding of memory, skill development, and even the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s. More than 7 million Americans live with dementia, costing the nation an estimated $384 billion in care annually.

“Identifying how the brain actually forms new connections and learns is a question at the frontier of neuroscience,” said Paul Forlano, program officer in NSF’s Directorate for Biological Sciences. “This knowledge deepens our understanding of how we interact with the world and respond to cues, opening new directions for both basic and applied research.”

The study, led by Kishore Kuchibhotla of Johns Hopkins University, used advanced brain imaging to track how mice learned a new task. The results showed that learning occurred rapidly — much faster than previously thought. Importantly, when mice continued making mistakes, it didn’t mean they were still learning. Instead, they were testing the rules of the task, a distinction that was visible in shifts in neural activity.

Kuchibhotla compared the difference to memory: learning a skill is like storing information, while using it is like retrieving it. If similar patterns hold true in humans, the research could transform how scientists approach learning, memory, and treatment strategies for conditions such as Alzheimer’s and dementia — offering fresh hope for interventions that preserve cognitive health.

SOURCE: https://www.nsf.gov/news/learning-occurs-quicker-thought-according-brain-imaging 

CREDITS: NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION