Episode 13
Exploring the Science of Memory: Why New Experiences Matter
Exploring new experiences has a surprising impact on memory, particularly varying between age groups. While children, teens, and young adults recall information better in novel environments, older adults may actually perform better in familiar settings. This paradox highlights the complex relationship between novelty and memory, suggesting that as we age, our brain's response to new stimuli changes. The discussion delves into a study examining how different exploration patterns and the release of dopamine influence memory retention. Listeners are encouraged to consider how seeking diverse experiences, even within familiar contexts, can enhance their cognitive functions and overall well-being.
Takeaways:
- Exploring new environments enhances memory for younger individuals, but older adults may not benefit similarly.
- Dopamine plays a crucial role in forming memories, especially in relation to novelty.
- Active exploration and diverse experiences are essential for strengthening memory retention across ages.
- Novelty affects how well we remember things, but its impact varies with age and experience.
- Creating familiar and comfortable environments may aid older adults in memory recall.
- Incorporating novelty into learning can help boost creativity and cognitive function.
Paper Referenced:
Schomaker, J., Baumann, V. & Ruitenberg, M.F.L. Effects of exploring a novel environment on memory across the lifespan. Sci Rep 12, 16631 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-022-20562-4
Link - https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-022-20562-4
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Transcript
Hi, all.
Parv:Welcome to this audio project where we decode the science of human behavior with a twist.
Parv:I'm Parv, and this podcast brings to you AI generated conversations that simplify complex hidden patterns that shape our decisions, emotions, and actions.
Parv:A while ago, I started using NotebookLM to help me translate academic research that talked about hidden internal patterns that make us us.
Parv:So let's dive in and uncover the unique algorithm that makes you you.
Speaker B:All right.
Speaker B:Ready to dive into some really cool research?
Speaker C:Oh, I'm always up for a deep dive.
Speaker B:Today, it's all about how exploring new things affects your memory.
Speaker C:Okay, I'm intrigued.
Speaker B:We're looking at a study from scientific reports all about novelty.
Speaker C:Novelty, huh?
Speaker C:So, like, trying new things.
Speaker B:Exactly.
Speaker B:And how it affects people of different ages.
Speaker C:Makes sense.
Speaker C:Our brains change as we get older, right?
Speaker B:That's what they're trying to figure out.
Speaker B:Think back to your last vacation.
Speaker C:Hmm.
Speaker C:Okay.
Speaker B:Can you remember what you had for breakfast there?
Speaker C:Oh, that's a tough one.
Speaker B:What about the day after you got home?
Speaker C:Probably even harder.
Speaker C:I see where you're going with this.
Speaker B:You see, we tend to remember things better in new environments.
Speaker C:Yeah, it's like our brain is on high alert, taking it all in.
Speaker B:Probably an evolutionary thing, right?
Speaker C:Could be.
Speaker C:Helps us remember important details for survival.
Speaker B:So, in this study, researchers had people explore virtual environments.
Speaker C:Virtual environments.
Speaker C:Sounds cool.
Speaker B:Some were totally new, some familiar.
Speaker C:So they could compare the effects of novelty.
Speaker B:Exactly.
Speaker B:Yeah.
Speaker B:Then they tested everyone's memory for words they learned.
Speaker C:Interesting.
Speaker C:So what did they find?
Speaker B:Well, the results were pretty surprising, especially for older adults.
Speaker C:Oh, what happened?
Speaker B:Children, teens, young adults all had better memory after a novel environment.
Speaker C:That makes sense.
Speaker C:New experiences, stronger memories.
Speaker B:But older adults actually remembered better after a familiar one.
Speaker C:Wait, really?
Speaker C:So exploring a new place made it harder for them to remember?
Speaker B:It seems counterintuitive, right?
Speaker B:Why would that be?
Speaker C:Well, researchers think it might be dopamine.
Speaker B:Dopamine?
Speaker B:Yeah, the feel good chemical.
Speaker C:Yeah.
Speaker C:Novelty triggers its release, which helps form.
Speaker B:Memory, Especially in the hippocampus.
Speaker B:Right, that memory hub.
Speaker C:Exactly.
Speaker C:But as we age, dopamine pathways decline naturally.
Speaker B:Ah.
Speaker B:So older adults might not get the same memory boost from novelty.
Speaker C:That's the theory.
Speaker C:Younger brains get a dopamine kick, older brains don't.
Speaker B:Makes sense.
Speaker B:But it's not like older adults can't form new memories at all, right?
Speaker C:Right.
Speaker C:It's more that novelty doesn't have the same impact.
Speaker B:Fascinating.
Speaker B:They also looked at whether novelty affects weaker memories.
Speaker C:More weaker memories.
Speaker C:How did they test that?
Speaker B:They had people memorize words using either a Deep or shallow strategy.
Speaker C:So like, really thinking about a word's meaning versus just how it looks.
Speaker B:Exactly.
Speaker B:Creating memories of different strengths.
Speaker C:Clever.
Speaker C:So did novelty only help with the weaker memories?
Speaker B:You'd think so, right?
Speaker B:But surprisingly, no.
Speaker C:Really?
Speaker C:So it didn't matter how strong the memory was?
Speaker B:Nope.
Speaker B:Novelty either helped or hindered memory for both types of words.
Speaker C:Wow, that's unexpected.
Speaker C:So it's less about the kind of.
Speaker B:Memory then, and more about how our brains change with age.
Speaker C:This is already blowing my mind.
Speaker B:Oh, we're just getting started.
Speaker B:They also measured mood and arousal levels.
Speaker C:Why do they do that?
Speaker B:They wanted to make sure novelty's effect wasn't just from feeling excited.
Speaker C:Ah.
Speaker C:To rule out that it was just a mood boost.
Speaker B:Smart younger participants did feel more aroused, which makes sense.
Speaker C:Yeah, new experiences can be pretty stimulating.
Speaker B:But that didn't fully explain the memory differences.
Speaker C:So there's more to it than just feeling excited or alert.
Speaker B:This is like peeling back the layers of an onion.
Speaker C:Getting more complex with every layer.
Speaker C:I'm loving it.
Speaker B:And speaking of layers, they also studied how people explored the environments.
Speaker C:Hold on, how did they do that?
Speaker C:Virtual reality, right?
Speaker B:Yeah.
Speaker B:They recorded everyone's paths, mapping out their exploration.
Speaker B:Wow.
Speaker C:Big brother is watching.
Speaker C:So what did they learn from that?
Speaker B:People who explored more diversely had better recall overall.
Speaker C:More diversely?
Speaker C:Like taking different routes and covering more ground?
Speaker B:Exactly.
Speaker B:They called it roaming entropy.
Speaker C:Interesting.
Speaker C:So it's not just about being in a new environment then?
Speaker B:It's about how you engage with it, how you explore.
Speaker C:So we shouldn't all just be running around like crazy to boost our memory.
Speaker B:Maybe not running, but it does raise some questions, right?
Speaker C:Like, could seeking diverse experiences, even in a familiar settings, help?
Speaker B:Maybe like trying a new coffee shop, walking a different route to work, or.
Speaker C:Even rearranging your furniture.
Speaker C:Keep things fresh.
Speaker B:It's all about keeping our brains engaged and challenged.
Speaker C:Stepping out of those well worn mental grooves.
Speaker C:I like that.
Speaker B:But we're only scratching the surface here.
Speaker B:There's so much more to explore.
Speaker C:Okay, you've got me hooked.
Speaker C:I can't wait to hear what else this research uncovered.
Speaker C:This study really makes you think, huh?
Speaker B:It does.
Speaker B:It's like novelty isn't always a good thing for memory.
Speaker C:Yeah, it's more complicated than that.
Speaker C:Especially as we age.
Speaker B:It really is.
Speaker B:It makes you wonder how to use this to improve our memories, you know.
Speaker C:At different points in our lives.
Speaker B:Yeah, exactly.
Speaker C:So for younger people, right, Encouraging them to explore, seek out new experiences.
Speaker B:Makes sense.
Speaker B:As long as it's safe and healthy.
Speaker B:Of course.
Speaker C:Of Course, of course.
Speaker C:But it could be a great way to boost their learning and their memory, right?
Speaker C:Absolutely.
Speaker C:Makes me think about all those toys and games for kids.
Speaker B:Oh, yeah, the ones that encourage them to explore, experiment, discover.
Speaker C:Right.
Speaker C:Maybe we need that same approach for adults.
Speaker B:I like that.
Speaker B:But think about how we usually learn.
Speaker C:Yeah.
Speaker B:In a classroom, lots of sitting, listening, passively memorizing facts.
Speaker C:Not very exciting.
Speaker C:What if we added more novelty in there?
Speaker B:And active exploration.
Speaker C:Exactly.
Speaker C:It would be so much more engaging.
Speaker B:Right.
Speaker B:Like having interactive simulations or field trips.
Speaker C:Oh, even group projects where you can brainstorm and get creative.
Speaker B:That sounds way more fun than just staring at a textbook.
Speaker C:For sure.
Speaker C:And those experiences might actually lead to stronger memories.
Speaker B:Memories that are more vivid, too.
Speaker C:You got it.
Speaker C:Now, for older adults, the approach might be different.
Speaker B:Okay, so instead of pushing them outside.
Speaker C:Their comfort zones, maybe focus on creating environments that feel safe and familiar.
Speaker B:So instead of planning that crazy trip to a new city for your grandparents.
Speaker C:Maybe suggest a relaxing walk through their favorite park.
Speaker B:Or instead of a crowded concert, a quiet dinner with close friends.
Speaker C:Exactly.
Speaker C:Finding that sweet spot, you know, where.
Speaker B:It'S stimulating enough to keep the brain.
Speaker C:Engaged, but not so overwhelming that it makes it harder to remember.
Speaker B:That makes a lot of sense.
Speaker B:It makes me think about people with.
Speaker C:Memory impairments, like those in the early stages of dementia.
Speaker B:Yeah.
Speaker B:Could creating a familiar and comfortable environment help them?
Speaker C:Hmm, that's a great question.
Speaker C:And it needs more research, but based.
Speaker B:On what we see here, it's definitely a possibility.
Speaker C:Absolutely.
Speaker C:Creating environments that reduce stress and anxiety.
Speaker B:And provide structure and routine and even.
Speaker C:Incorporate meaningful and personalized elements.
Speaker B:I can see how that could be really beneficial.
Speaker C:I think so, too.
Speaker C:And it makes you wonder about the role of technology.
Speaker B:Oh, yeah.
Speaker B:Could we use virtual reality to create.
Speaker C:Those personalized immersive environments that could meet.
Speaker B:The specific needs of different individuals?
Speaker C:Exactly.
Speaker C:Promote exploration for younger people or foster.
Speaker B:Familiarity for older adults.
Speaker C:The possibilities are really exciting.
Speaker C:Imagine designing virtual spaces that trigger positive memories, or evoke feelings of joy and relaxation.
Speaker B:Or even help people practice real life.
Speaker C:Scenarios in a safe and controlled setting.
Speaker C:It's incredible.
Speaker B:It's like VR memory palaces filled with personalized images and music.
Speaker C:You could even have scents that bring back cherished memories.
Speaker B:That sounds like something out of a science fiction movie.
Speaker C:It does.
Speaker C:And who knows, maybe it's not that far off.
Speaker B:It really is amazing to think about.
Speaker B:Technology is always evolving, that's for sure.
Speaker C:And the potential for enhancing memory and cognitive function.
Speaker B:It's incredible.
Speaker B:But, okay, what about that finding on active exploration?
Speaker C:You mean how it seemed to improve memory, regardless of novelty.
Speaker B:Yeah.
Speaker B:What's going on there?
Speaker C:Well, remember how we talked about dopamine, how it's released in response to novelty?
Speaker C:Well, it turns out that physical activity and exploration can also trigger dopamine release.
Speaker B:So it's not just the mental stimulation of novelty.
Speaker C:It's also about physically moving through space and interacting with your surroundings.
Speaker B:That's so cool.
Speaker B:And that brings us back to roaming.
Speaker C:Entropy, that measure of how diverse our exploration patterns are.
Speaker B:Right.
Speaker B:The more we move around and engage different parts of our brains, the more.
Speaker C:Likely we are to create strong and lasting memories.
Speaker B:So it's not enough to just passively observe new things.
Speaker C:You got to actively explore, interact with your surroundings, make those connections.
Speaker C:It makes me want to go for a walk right now.
Speaker B:Me too.
Speaker B:And it doesn't have to be some big adventure, right?
Speaker C:No, not at all.
Speaker C:Even simple things like walking around your.
Speaker B:Neighborhood or trying a new recipe or even learning a new skill, those can.
Speaker C:All provide those little bursts of novelty and exploration our brains crave.
Speaker B:It's about finding those sparks of curiosity and wonder in our daily lives.
Speaker C:You said it.
Speaker C:And you know, this research also emphasizes.
Speaker B:Individual differences in how we respond to novelty.
Speaker C:Exactly.
Speaker C:What works for one person might not work for another.
Speaker B:Of course, we all have different ages, personalities, life experiences that all play a.
Speaker C:Role in how we respond to novelty and form memories.
Speaker B:So there's no one size fits all approach to improving your memory?
Speaker C:Nope.
Speaker C:It's about finding what works best for you.
Speaker B:Experimenting, being open to new possibilities.
Speaker C:And remember, your brain is incredibly adaptable.
Speaker C:Even as you age, you can continue to learn, grow, and form new memories.
Speaker B:I'm so inspired by this.
Speaker B:It's like a whole world of possibilities.
Speaker C:That's the beauty of scientific discovery, isn't it?
Speaker B:It challenges our assumptions, sparks our curiosity.
Speaker C:And it leads us down paths we might never have imagined.
Speaker B:This has been such an amazing deep dive.
Speaker C:I feel like I have a whole new understanding of how powerful novelty can.
Speaker B:Be and how to use it to improve memory, learning, even creativity.
Speaker C:And remember, the journey of discovery doesn't end here.
Speaker B:As scientists keep exploring the complexities of.
Speaker C:The brain, we'll gain even deeper insights into how novelty shapes our minds and.
Speaker B:How we can use that knowledge to live richer, more fulfilling lives.
Speaker C:For sure.
Speaker C:So to all of you listeners out.
Speaker B:There, I encourage you to embrace the unexpected.
Speaker B:Seek out those new experiences, and never stop exploring.
Speaker C:Your brain will thank you for it.
Speaker C:Until next time, keep those minds curious and those explorations exciting.
Speaker B:So we've been exploring this research.
Speaker C:Yeah.
Speaker B:And I'VE been thinking, how can we actually apply these findings to our own lives?
Speaker B:Exactly.
Speaker B:It's like we have this amazing tool, novelty, but we need to learn how to use it.
Speaker B:Right.
Speaker C:I agree.
Speaker C:It's not just about chasing novelty just.
Speaker B:Because it's got to be intentional.
Speaker C:It is, you know, understanding how our.
Speaker B:Brains work and finding ways to bring novice into our lives in a way that actually benefits us.
Speaker C:I think that's key.
Speaker C:It's very personalized too.
Speaker B:Oh, absolutely.
Speaker C:Yeah.
Speaker B:What's exciting for one person could be overwhelming for another.
Speaker C:For sure.
Speaker C:It also depends what you're hoping to achieve.
Speaker B:What do you mean?
Speaker C:Well, like, are you trying to boost your creativity?
Speaker B:Okay.
Speaker C:Or improve your memory or just shake things up a bit.
Speaker B:So if I'm trying to learn a new language, for example.
Speaker C:Yeah.
Speaker B:Maybe I should really immerse myself in the culture.
Speaker B:Watch foreign films, you know, that's a great idea.
Speaker B:Cook traditional dishes.
Speaker B:Maybe even travel to a country where it's spoken.
Speaker C:That's perfect.
Speaker C:You're creating a multisensory experience, engaging different.
Speaker B:Parts of the brain.
Speaker C:Right.
Speaker C:Reinforcing that learning process.
Speaker B:But if I'm just feeling burnt out and need a break.
Speaker C:Yeah, I get that.
Speaker B:Maybe something simpler like a walk in nature or.
Speaker B:Or visiting a museum or even just.
Speaker C:Trying a new coffee shop.
Speaker B:That's enough to give me a fresh perspective.
Speaker C:Exactly.
Speaker B:It's all about finding that balance between challenge and comfort.
Speaker C:Yes.
Speaker C:Pushing yourself enough to stimulate your brain.
Speaker B:But not too much that you get overwhelmed.
Speaker C:That's it.
Speaker C:And it sounds like it's important to pay attention to how you're feeling.
Speaker B:Yeah, for sure.
Speaker C:If something feels too intense or stressful, you gotta step back, try something a bit more manageable.
Speaker B:It's like anything else.
Speaker B:Right.
Speaker B:Moderation is key.
Speaker C:It really is.
Speaker C:And you know, novelty isn't a magic solution.
Speaker B:Of course not.
Speaker B:Just one piece of the puzzle when.
Speaker C:It comes to memory and cognitive health.
Speaker B:So we still need to think about sleep, nutrition, exercise, all that good stuff.
Speaker C:Absolutely.
Speaker C:Stress management, social connections, it all matters.
Speaker B:It's taking a holistic approach to brain health using a variety of strategies to support your cognitive function and your overall well being.
Speaker B:It all ties together, you know, it makes me think about creativity too.
Speaker C:Oh, how so?
Speaker B:Seems like novelty could be a great way to spark new ideas and get.
Speaker C:Out of those creative ruts we all get into.
Speaker B:Exactly.
Speaker B:It makes you think differently, make new connections.
Speaker C:It's like shaking up a snow globe.
Speaker B:I love that.
Speaker C:All those little particles get rearranged into new and interesting patterns.
Speaker B:So maybe the key to unlocking creativity is to be more like those explorers.
Speaker C:The high roaming, entropy folks we talked about.
Speaker B:Yeah.
Speaker B:Curious, adventurous, willing to step outside their comfort zone.
Speaker C:And remember, it doesn't have to be about grand adventures.
Speaker B:Right.
Speaker B:Even small things can have a big impact.
Speaker C:Like trying a new hobby, reading a.
Speaker B:Book on a new topic, talking to someone new.
Speaker B:It's the little things.
Speaker C:It really is.
Speaker C:This has been an incredible deep dive.
Speaker B:I feel like I've learned so much about the power of novelty and how.
Speaker C:To use it to improve our memory, learning and even creativity.
Speaker B:Couldn't have said it better myself.
Speaker B:But the journey doesn't end here, right?
Speaker C:Oh, absolutely not.
Speaker C:Scientists are constantly learning more about the brain.
Speaker B:It's true.
Speaker B:We'll keep uncovering new insights about how novelty shapes our minds and how we.
Speaker C:Can use that knowledge to live richer, more fulfilling lives.
Speaker B:So to all of you listening out.
Speaker C:There, we encourage you to embrace the unexpected.
Speaker C:Seek out those new experiences.
Speaker B:Never stop exploring your brain will.
Speaker B:Thank you.
Speaker C:And until next time, keep those minds curious and those explorations exciting.
