How forgetting works in long-term memory

Cellular mechanisms of forgetting a long-term memory

NIH-funded research Dominican University · NIH-11041251

This study is looking at how our brains forget long-term memories by using a sea slug, and it aims to understand how certain brain signals help us forget, which could help people with memory problems.

Quick facts

Grant typeR15 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionDominican University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (River Forest, United States)
Project IDNIH-11041251 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the biological processes involved in forgetting long-term memories using a model organism, Aplysia californica. The team will explore how certain signals in the brain, specifically the inhibitory transmitter FMRF-amide, play a role in the active process of forgetting. By manipulating these signals, researchers aim to understand the physiological changes that occur during memory formation and forgetting. This could provide insights into cognitive retention disorders and how memory can be regulated.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research would be individuals experiencing cognitive retention disorders or those interested in understanding memory processes.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have memory-related issues or cognitive disorders may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for enhancing memory retention and treating cognitive disorders related to memory loss.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promising results in understanding memory processes, but this specific approach focusing on the active mechanisms of forgetting is relatively novel.

Where this research is happening

River Forest, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Cognitive Retention Disorders
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.