Short-term memory retrieval enhances brain functional connectivity

IntroductionShort-term memory poses a significant challenge, involving complex processes of image perception, memory formation, and execution. However, the mechanisms underlying the formation, storage, and execution of short-term memory remain poorly understood.MethodsIn this study, 41 healthy colle...

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Main Authors: Fanglei Duan, Xiangyu Yan, Jing Wang, Zhenhua Wu, Yixin Zhang, QiCheng Shu, Fangfang Liu, Fan Xu, Qin Han
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Frontiers Media S.A. 2025-04-01
Series:Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience
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Online Access:https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnbeh.2025.1578415/full
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author Fanglei Duan
Xiangyu Yan
Jing Wang
Zhenhua Wu
Yixin Zhang
QiCheng Shu
Fangfang Liu
Fan Xu
Qin Han
author_facet Fanglei Duan
Xiangyu Yan
Jing Wang
Zhenhua Wu
Yixin Zhang
QiCheng Shu
Fangfang Liu
Fan Xu
Qin Han
author_sort Fanglei Duan
collection DOAJ
description IntroductionShort-term memory poses a significant challenge, involving complex processes of image perception, memory formation, and execution. However, the mechanisms underlying the formation, storage, and execution of short-term memory remain poorly understood.MethodsIn this study, 41 healthy college students participated in a memory challenge test designed to investigate these processes. Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) was employed to measure dynamic changes in hemoglobin concentrations in specific cortical regions, while facial expressions and vital signs were recorded in real-time during the tests.ResultsThe results revealed heightened activity in the inferior prefrontal gyrus, visual association cortex, pre-motor cortex, and supplementary motor cortex. Functional connectivity between these regions was significantly enhanced during the tasks, and inter-group differences decreased over time. Participants with superior short-term memory exhibited lower levels of negative emotional expressions and higher heart rates compared to those with weaker memory performance. These findings suggest that cortical interconnectivity and adequate cerebral blood oxygenation play critical roles in enhancing short-term memory capacity. This has important implications for education, as it highlights strategies for cultivating attention, training memory skills, and improving memory integration abilities.
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institution OA Journals
issn 1662-5153
language English
publishDate 2025-04-01
publisher Frontiers Media S.A.
record_format Article
series Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience
spelling doaj-art-cf103c40e00a40eeafa3ee3642a8e0d52025-08-20T01:48:20ZengFrontiers Media S.A.Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience1662-51532025-04-011910.3389/fnbeh.2025.15784151578415Short-term memory retrieval enhances brain functional connectivityFanglei Duan0Xiangyu Yan1Jing Wang2Zhenhua Wu3Yixin Zhang4QiCheng Shu5Fangfang Liu6Fan Xu7Qin Han8Department of Pathology, Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sichuan Cancer Hospital and Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, ChinaDepartment of Evidence-based Medicine and Social Medicine, School of Public Health, Chengdu Medical College, Sichuan, ChinaDepartment of Clinical Medicine, School of Clinic Medicine, Chengdu Medical College, Sichuan, ChinaDepartment of Clinical Medicine, School of Clinic Medicine, Chengdu Medical College, Sichuan, ChinaDepartment of Evidence-based Medicine and Social Medicine, School of Public Health, Chengdu Medical College, Sichuan, ChinaDepartment of Clinical Medicine, School of Clinic Medicine, Chengdu Medical College, Sichuan, ChinaDepartment of Art, Art College, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, ChinaDepartment of Evidence-based Medicine and Social Medicine, School of Public Health, Chengdu Medical College, Sichuan, ChinaDepartment of Experimental Centre, School of Public Health, Chengdu Medical College, Sichuan, ChinaIntroductionShort-term memory poses a significant challenge, involving complex processes of image perception, memory formation, and execution. However, the mechanisms underlying the formation, storage, and execution of short-term memory remain poorly understood.MethodsIn this study, 41 healthy college students participated in a memory challenge test designed to investigate these processes. Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) was employed to measure dynamic changes in hemoglobin concentrations in specific cortical regions, while facial expressions and vital signs were recorded in real-time during the tests.ResultsThe results revealed heightened activity in the inferior prefrontal gyrus, visual association cortex, pre-motor cortex, and supplementary motor cortex. Functional connectivity between these regions was significantly enhanced during the tasks, and inter-group differences decreased over time. Participants with superior short-term memory exhibited lower levels of negative emotional expressions and higher heart rates compared to those with weaker memory performance. These findings suggest that cortical interconnectivity and adequate cerebral blood oxygenation play critical roles in enhancing short-term memory capacity. This has important implications for education, as it highlights strategies for cultivating attention, training memory skills, and improving memory integration abilities.https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnbeh.2025.1578415/fullfNIRS (functional near infrared spectroscopy)young adultsworking memoryfunctional connectivityshort-term memorycognitive neuroscience
spellingShingle Fanglei Duan
Xiangyu Yan
Jing Wang
Zhenhua Wu
Yixin Zhang
QiCheng Shu
Fangfang Liu
Fan Xu
Qin Han
Short-term memory retrieval enhances brain functional connectivity
Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience
fNIRS (functional near infrared spectroscopy)
young adults
working memory
functional connectivity
short-term memory
cognitive neuroscience
title Short-term memory retrieval enhances brain functional connectivity
title_full Short-term memory retrieval enhances brain functional connectivity
title_fullStr Short-term memory retrieval enhances brain functional connectivity
title_full_unstemmed Short-term memory retrieval enhances brain functional connectivity
title_short Short-term memory retrieval enhances brain functional connectivity
title_sort short term memory retrieval enhances brain functional connectivity
topic fNIRS (functional near infrared spectroscopy)
young adults
working memory
functional connectivity
short-term memory
cognitive neuroscience
url https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnbeh.2025.1578415/full
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