Every time we form a memory, it leaves a lasting impression not just in our minds, but also on the very cells of our brains
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The process of memory formation involves creation and strengthening of connections between neurons, allowing information to be stored and retrieved later
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However, this process isn't without its toll on the brain cells involved
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A new study has said that process of remembering something long-term causes inflammation on the brain and DNA damage in nerve cells
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The research has been published in Nature
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A team of researchers carried out some tests on mice for the study and found that these effects take place inside the hippocampus
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The mice were given mild electric shocks briefly to trigger their memories
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Analysis of the hippocampal neurons showed activation of genes in receptor pathways important for inflammatory signalling
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Scientists also found that breaks in DNA took longer than usual to organise and locked themselves for protection against outside forces