Huge thanks to:
🔹 David Moratal - @upv.es
🔹 @plopezlarrubia.bsky.social - @iibm-csic-uam.bsky.social
🔹 Mohamed Selim - @uniofnottingham.bsky.social
🔹 From @neuroalc.bsky.social: Santiago Canals @canalslab.bsky.social, Silvia De Santis @desantislab.bsky.social & @maxeggl.bsky.social 🙌

Thank you to all collaborators
@wetuad.bsky.social @claudiomirasso.bsky.social @neuroalc.bsky.social @csic.es @umh.es @ifisc.uib-csic.es

#Neuroscience #Memory #DBS #CognitiveFlexibility #Neuroimaging #NeuroTech

If you are interested, find the full article here: rdcu.be/enT5X

Methodological highlight:
We developed a novel spatial task that dissociates encoding vs. retrieval within-subjects using a high-dimensional behavioral readout.

Standard memory tests might have missed this.

Why does this matter?
Memory flexibility is key in psychiatric disorders characterized by cognitive rigidity.

Our study provides a mechanistic foundation for using NAc-DBS to improve cognitive flexibility.

fMRI revealed that NAc-DBS activates a broad memory-related brain network: septum, entorhinal & insular cortices—with some degree of adaptation but not desensitization over time.

We propose it mimics a dopaminergic “novelty” signal, reinforcing the encoding of new information.

Using high-resolution behavioral analysis & fMRI in rats, we dissected memory into short-term, long-term, encoding, and retrieval.

📌 Key finding: NAc-DBS enhances the encoding of new long-term memories—not short-term memory or recall.

Why NAc-DBS?
NAc-DBS is already used to treat psychiatric conditions like OCD and depression. But it could also boost memory. We designed a new spatial navigation task to find out.

It was a real treat to host @franzelab.bsky.social. Such exciting and thought provoking findings!! Thanks for your visit 👏🏻👏🏻