We more or less have some prefer to forget the memory and, therefore, the characteristics of our brain has forgotten some of the memory may also be a good thing.If the brain really can remember anything that happened in the past, so we have some new, very important information: for example, today name new people, parking places and so on, may not be stored.

But judging from the neuron level, what happened to our brains make us ever remember things are trying to forget it?New research shows that we forget the brain through something called "anti-memories (anti-memory)" mechanism.Specifically, our neurons can produce memory formed when waves of opposite current to "rinse" off the initial formation of memory.

On the "anti memory" guess came from such a theory: health-brain--two brain cells "activate neurons" and "inhibitory neurons" can interact, allowing the brain to function properly.Consistent with their name, each of the two types of neurons activate or inhibit the activity of the brain can produce electric current.

Scientists suspect that, in the case of the balance is out of control, the excessive activation of neurons can cause epilepsy, schizophrenia, autism and other mental illnesses.

In a recent study, from the University of Oxford and University College London researchers hope to understand this mechanism and relationship between our brain correspond to information retention.

When we learn new things, mainly activate the connections between neurons, which helps us to create new memories.But this change will make the activation/inhibition balance is out of range.In order to adjust such imbalances, the inhibitory neurons begin to connect.In fact, this inhibitory connections does not completely destroy our memories, but they are "silent".

Previously, scientists used animal model or theory on the "anti memory" hypothesis on the validation, but it is not clear whether it will have an effect on human memory.

In order to understand this issue, researchers used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) technique for observing brain activity of volunteers.The volunteers were asked to watch a few different shaped objects, which allows them to operate on pairs of objects associated memory.

"In 24 hours later, the memory of this relationship becomes blurred.There are two explanations: one is through the brain against memory it silence fell;Another explanation is that the brain simply forgot. "Oxford University neuroscientist Helen Barron said.

The next day, some volunteers started receiving test, to determine what kind of situation.If memory is to be silent, so as long as the inhibitory activity, will make this part of the memory to the re-release.

Directed by Transcranial electrical stimulation, scientists were able to volunteer certain nerves in the brain compound amount reduced, including and inhibitory GABA related to signaling.

"We found a reduced cortical inhibitory signals of silent memory can be released again", said Barron. “Results consistent with the equilibrium hypothesis.When people are in the process of learning and memory formation, will see increase in excitatory neuron connections, followed by, in order to maintain a balance, there is an inhibition of the reverse connection ".

"This discovery has the potential to apply to clinical treatment, including treatment for patients with schizophrenia and autism".Barron said.