How emotionally charged events leave their mark on memory

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Image showing phosphorylated GluR1 receptors congregating around sites of neuronal synapses. Credit: Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions
Image showing phosphorylated GluR1 receptors congregating around sites of neuronal synapses. Credit: Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions

Researchers have uncovered new evidence in mice that may explain how emotionally charged situations can leave such a powerful mark on our memories. Surges of the stress hormone norepinephrine (also known as noradrenaline) that often accompany strong emotions spark a series of molecular events that ultimately strengthen the connections between neurons, the team reports in the October 5, 2007, issue of the journal Cell.


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