Long-term memory in brain magnetite.

Despite theoretical and experimental efforts to model neuronal networks, the origin of cerebral cognitive functions and memory formation are still unknown. Recently, we have proposed that in addition to chemical and electrical signals, the cellular components of the neocortex (especially neurons and astrocytes) may communicate with each other through magnetic signals generated by themselves. This magnetic communication would be the ground of short-term memory. In the present paper, we propose that brain magnetite may be a component of the mechanisms, conserved during evolution, to detect and transduce magnetic fields generated inside the cerebral neocortex. Specifically, we propose a possible role for magnetite nanoparticles, distributed through neuronal and astroglial membranes, in perception, transduction and storage of information that arrives to the neocortex.

Neuromagnetic dialogue between neuronal minicolumns and astroglial network: a new approach for memory and cerebral computation.

Rapidly accumulating experimental data over the past two decades discloses extremely complex neuro-glial interactions and provides new insights regarding novel roles of glial cells, particularly astrocytes, in complex functions. Widespread astrocytic processes, interconnected by gap junctions, form an extremely large physiological syncytium. This structure in conjunction with neuronal activity, very likely contributes to cognitive functions. Based on electrophysiological and neuroanatomical data, the present hypothesis proposes a self-organised, iterative and reciprocal magnetic interaction between neurones and astrocytes to explain neurocomputation, including memory processing, in the human neocortex.

Architectural organisation of neuronal activity-associated magnetic fields: a hypothesis for memory.

Despite intensive investigation into the mechanisms underlying the memory process, the physical bases for this superior cognitive function remain elusive. Neuronal activity-associated magnetic fields (NAAMFs) hypothesis of memory suggests that items of information are stored as three-dimensional bundles of magnetic fields associated to the complex but extremely organised cerebral cortex. The present paper proposes a plausible architectural organisation of neuronal activity-associated magnetic fields that may explain how information could be stored in the human cerebral cortex. Magnetic fields generated as consequence of neuronal minicolumns activation could modify the basal "electromagnetic status" of the closest astrocytes allowing codification and storage of information.