Neuroscientists (who, as a branch of the life sciences, are doing some of the most interesting work out there) are getting closer and closer to figuring out how memory works - here they report on findings on how the brain holds temporary memory.
Why this matters: In the Middle Ages, philosophers and doctors thought that the brain was a device for cooling the blood. (In case you're wondering, thought was supposed to happen in the heart.) Knowledge has improved since then and neuroscientists are getting closer and closer to sorting exactly how the brain functions. This matters for many, many reasons, but treating neurological disease is one obvious benefit. I'm also fascinated by how much of our personality is physically based - intuitively, a memory feels more spiritual than a series of cascading physical reactions. But current research suggests it's just that, and vulnerable like any other physical element.
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