Although the human brain remains a great unknown, little by little scientists are unraveling the mysteries of our mind. A team from the Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas, has discovered a molecule in the absence of which the memory of mammals multiplies.
Protein kinase R (PKR) is a protein present in vertebrates that is activated in response to some viral infections; however, its role in normal brain function is not yet clear.
The scientists found that by genetically inhibiting PKR in laboratory mice, the excitability of brain cells was increased and the animals had much more memory than "normal" mice, in which the molecule had not been inhibited.
Although many more trials will still be needed, this could be the first step towards the development of a "grow-memory pill", which would be very useful in the treatment of some diseases such as Alzheimer's
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