This article discusses a recent study by Nature, The massed-spaced learning effect in non-neural human cells, and explains what it really means.
A recent post from El Pais about the study intrigued me: Memory is not exclusive to the brain: Non-neural cells also remember.
Anyone reading the headline will think that memories from previous events can also reside outside the brain—at least I did. So, I investigated further.
The idea of a kidney transplant recipient inheriting the memories of their donor is a fascinating topic that has captured the public imagination for decades.
Stories of recipients suddenly developing new tastes, preferences, or even personality traits have fueled speculation about “cellular memory.” But can an organ like a kidney transfer memories?
Let’s explore the science behind this intriguing question using insights from recent research.
What Is Cellular “Memory”?
A recent study on the massed-spaced learning effect in non-neural human cells has shed light on a “memory-like” behavior in individual cells.
Scientists discovered that even non-neural cells—like those in the kidney—can exhibit enhanced responses to repeated stimuli.
In this study, researchers used a laboratory model to mimic memory formation, showing that cells respond more strongly to spaced pulses of stimuli than to single, continuous doses.
This is similar to how our brains form stronger memories through repeated exposure to information.
However, this type of cellular “memory” differs greatly from the memories we think of as part of human experience. It refers to biochemical processes within the cells, not conscious or emotional recollections.
Why This Doesn’t Mean Donor Memories Can Transfer
While the study revealed that non-neural cells can “remember” signals through molecular pathways, this is purely a physiological phenomenon. Here’s why this type of memory cannot lead to the transfer of a donor’s personal memories:
Memories Are Brain-Based:
Human memories are stored and processed in the brain, specifically in areas like the hippocampus and cerebral cortex. These memories involve neural networks, not individual cells in the kidney or other organs.
No Neural Connectivity in Transplanted Organs:
A transplanted kidney lacks the neural circuits necessary for forming or transmitting memories. Although kidneys contain nerves that regulate their function, these are severed during transplantation and do not reconnect with the recipient’s nervous system.
What the Study Really Found:
The “memory-like” behavior observed in non-neural cells is based on signaling pathways like ERK and CREB, which control processes like gene expression.
These pathways help cells adapt to their environment but are not linked to cognitive memory.
Why Do Some Transplant Recipients Report New Preferences or Behaviors?
There are numerous anecdotal reports of transplant recipients experiencing changes after receiving an organ. For example, a recipient might suddenly enjoy a food they previously disliked or adopt a new hobby.
While these stories are intriguing, they are better explained by psychological and physiological factors rather than the idea of transferred memories. Some possibilities include:
Emotional Impact of Transplantation:
Learning about the donor’s story or life can create a psychological connection, leading the recipient to associate certain traits or preferences with their donor.
Physiological Changes:
A transplanted organ can influence metabolism, hormones, or even immune responses, potentially affecting the recipient’s behavior or preferences.
Coincidence or Placebo Effect:
The changes may be coincidences or shaped by the recipient’s belief in the possibility of cellular memory.
The Real Significance of the Study
The recent cellular “memory” study offers valuable medical insights, especially for transplant recipients.
It shows that non-neural cells, like those in the kidney, can retain biochemical “memory-like” behavior through signaling pathways. While this has nothing to do with transferring personal memories, it could have important implications:
Improving Transplant Outcomes:
Understanding how kidney cells “remember” stimuli could help scientists develop better therapies to promote organ adaptation and reduce the risk of rejection.
Refining Drug Therapies:
Targeting pathways like ERK and CREB could help fine-tune immunosuppressive medications, leading to more effective treatments with fewer side effects.
Chronic Disease Prevention:
If cells can “remember” harmful signals, disrupting these processes might help prevent long-term damage, such as chronic kidney disease.
Conclusion: Memories Stay in the Brain
While the idea of donor memories transferring through a kidney transplant is intriguing, science tells us this is not possible.
Human memories are the product of complex neural networks in the brain, far removed from the cellular processes in other organs.
However, discovering “memory-like” behavior in non-neural cells provides exciting opportunities to advance medical science.
For kidney transplant recipients, this research highlights the resilience and adaptability of their new organ—not its ability to carry memories of the past.
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Reference:
Kukushkin, N. V., et al. “The Massed-spaced Learning Effect in Non-neural Human Cells.” Nature Communications, vol. 15, no. 1, 2024, pp. 1-10, https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-024-53922-x. Accessed 10 Jan. 2025.
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