So far, our group has found that when humans are working on a task, breathing, especially at the moment of breathing in, causes cognitive functions (concentration, attention, and memory) to decline.Therefore, this time, we decided to further investigate "whether memory can be manipulated by controlling respiration" using special genetically modified mice.

　The genetically modified mice used in this study can freely manipulate their breathing patterns by illuminating the respiratory center with light using a technique called optogenetics.During a memory task in mice, holding the breath at the moment of memory alters the activity of hippocampal neurons, resulting in a reduction in memory power.Furthermore, memory is enhanced by manipulating breathing patterns, such as randomizing the periodicity of breathing, resulting in enhanced memory, and reducing the frequency of breathing by half, resulting in incorrect memory formation. and aggravation caused by both sides.

　Based on these results, the research group believes that respiratory activity acts on the brain to organize information processing related to memories and thoughts into a certain unit, and that it also serves as a trigger for the creation of new memories.Therefore, if the breathing rhythm and timing are not appropriate, information processing will not go well, which may lead to a decline in memory.

　In the future, we hope to elucidate the brain mechanisms that demonstrate the interaction between respiratory and cognitive functions.It is quite conceivable that breathing is involved not only in cognitive functions but also in other upper central functions such as emotions (reactions related to emotions) and mental health.If we can clarify the effects of breathing techniques on relieving stress and treating mental illness, we can contribute to improving the quality of life (QOL) of various people.

Paper information:[Nature Communications] Hippocampal ensemble dynamics and memory performance are modulated by respiration during encoding